23AndMe Customers Urged to Delete Data as Company Files for Bankruptcy

The company’s privacy policy says that in case of bankrupt, its privacy provisions for user data still apply.

A sign is posted in front of the 23andMe headquarters in Sunnyvale, Calif., on Feb. 1, 2024. Genetic testing company 23andMe, once valued at $6 billion, is facing the possibility of delisting from NASDAQ as the company navigates numerous class action lawsuits. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The attorneys general for New York and California have urged 23andMe customers to remove their data from the DNA testing company’s website to prevent it from being sold, after the company filed for bankruptcy.

“New Yorkers’ genetic data is sensitive information that must be protected at all costs,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement on March 25, just two days after 23andMe announced its bankruptcy filing.