The biotechnology company 23andMe is facing a tumultuous period following its announcement of filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This situation has catalyzed a significant surge in user demand for deleting personal data. The immediate aftermath of this announcement led to overwhelming traffic on the company’s systems, significantly hindering the ability for customers to access their accounts and remove their sensitive information. As these systems were not equipped to handle the sudden influx of requests, a rush of users reported ongoing struggles during the deletion process.
According to recent reports, while 23andMe initially encountered significant technical difficulties, the company claims that these issues have largely been resolved. However, many users remain apprehensive about the future of the platform and their genetic data. Reports have emerged indicating that even customers who successfully managed to delete their data are left with lingering worries about what will happen to their personal information now that the company is in financial distress.
The company’s bankruptcy filing indicates intentions to sell itself through a structured court process, which raises concerns for individuals who fear that their data could be sold to potential buyers. Danielle Landriscina from Maryland expressed her fears that her data could be acquired by health insurance companies and subsequently leveraged against her in determining insurance coverage or payment amounts. Currently, 23andMe’s privacy policy states that it will not voluntarily share personal information with insurers; however, this assurance feels tenuous amidst the uncertainty regarding the company’s future.
In response to this climate, several attorneys general across states like California, Arizona, New York, and South Carolina have advised former and current customers of 23andMe to consider deleting their personal data. Recognizing the heightened concerns surrounding the sensitivity of DNA-related information, they are emphasizing the importance of consumer rights in this context. California Attorney General Rob Bonta pointed out that each person assesses the risks associated with sharing their data differently and underscored the right of customers to remove their information from the company’s database.
Throughout this chaotic period, numerous users have recounted their challenges in accessing their accounts for deletion. Danielle Landriscina noted that she encountered obstacles with two-factor authentication when trying to log in, describing the experience as frustrating. Initially, she did not receive her verification code in a timely manner, further delaying her ability to erase her data. Through persistence, Landriscina managed to finally delete her account but was left feeling uneasy about whether her information was genuinely expunged from the company’s systems.
Other users like Pauline Long from Alabama reported similarly troublesome experiences when trying to delete their accounts. Long spent considerable time trying to connect with customer service, expressing skepticism over whether her data would indeed be removed after she successfully completed the deletion process.
The pervasive anxiety about data retention and security is compounded by the understanding that if 23andMe undergoes a major transition, such as a merger or sale, customer information may still be at risk. As highlighted by University of Iowa law professor Anya Prince, while customer data must be managed according to prior policies following a sale, any new entity could potentially alter how it handles data in the future. This opens the door for uncertainties around personal information management.
The significant difficulties faced by customers of 23andMe underline a broader lesson around customer data privacy, especially given previous incidents, such as 2023’s data breach that affected millions of users. Notably, users like Michele Lewis shared their experiences, indicating that the process of removing her information had improved; however, trust remains low due to past security concerns.
As individuals contemplate their data privacy in light of these events, many are reevaluating their relationships with genetic testing companies like 23andMe, reconsidering whether the potential benefits of such services outweigh the risks associated with data security and ownership.
