New York Officials Have Issued a Consumer Alert

New York officials have issued an important consumer alert!

New York State officials are warning residents that they have a right to have their genetic data deleted and all DNA samples destroyed now that the DNA testing company 23AndMe has filed for bankruptcy.

Earlier this week, we learned that 23andMe, one of the largest ancestry and genetic testing companies in the world, had announced that they have filed for bankruptcy and plans to sell most of its assets. As news of the bankruptcy became public, many wondered if all of the DNA testing samples that were previously processed would be safe if a new company purchased 23andMe.

New York Urges 23AndMe Customers to Contact Company to Delete Data

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert on Tuesday, urging all customers who submitted DNA samples to be analyzed at 23andMe to take action to protect their data. James reminded New Yorkers who are worried about the security of their samples that they can request that 23andMe delete their data and destroy any samples of genetic material held by the company.

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"New Yorkers’ genetic data is sensitive information that must be protected at all costs," said Attorney General James in a press release. "23andMe’s bankruptcy announcement is concerning and I am urging New Yorkers to take action to safeguard their data. New Yorkers can follow instructions offered by my office to delete their data or destroy any DNA samples held by 23andMe. Anyone experiencing issues deleting their information stored with 23andMe should contact my office."

How to Delete Data at 23andMe

If you have DNA data stored with 23andMe and would like to have your test samples, personal information, and account deleted, you should take the following steps:

• Log into your 23andMe account on their website.
• Go to the “Settings” section of your profile.
• Scroll to a section labeled “23andMe Data” at the bottom of the page.
• Click “View” next to “23andMe Data.”
• Download your data: If you want a copy of your genetic data for personal storage, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding.
• Scroll to the “Delete Data” section.
• Click “Permanently Delete Data.”

Once you complete these steps, you should receive an email with a confirmation link from 23andMe confirming your deletion request. Users should follow the link to confirm.

If you experience any issues with the deletion process, Attorney General James encourages New Yorkers to contact her office by filing a complaint online, which you can find here.