Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a consumer alert regarding 23andMe’s recent bankruptcy filing.  23andMe is a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company that collects and analyzes the most sensitive and irreplaceable information about individuals, their genetic code.

The Office of the Attorney General has been monitoring the company as part of an investigation into a data breach at 23andMe discovered in October 2023, which exposed the personal information of nearly seven million Americans. 

This past Sunday, March 23rd, 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  The filing raises uncertainties about the future of consumers’ genetic data.  

23andMe posted an FAQ page on their website for customers, which states that customers “still have the ability to delete their data and 23andMe account.” Given the uncertainty created by the bankruptcy proceedings, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office wants Minnesotans who have used 23andMe to be aware of this option.

“23andMe holds very sensitive information about individuals who use its services,” said Attorney General Keith Ellison. “Their bankruptcy proceedings raise reasonable questions about the future of 23andMe and how this important data will be safeguarded. Minnesotans may wish to proactively protect their own data by requesting the deletion of their account.” 

Currently, consumers who wish 23andMe to delete their data and accounts can learn how to do so at this link: Requesting 23andMe Account Closure – 23andMe Customer Care