23andMe says 15% of customers asked to delete their genetic data since bankruptcy

In a recent testimony before lawmakers, 23andMe’s interim CEO Joseph Selsavage revealed that approximately 1.9 million customers, representing about 15% of the company’s user base, have requested the deletion of their genetic data since the firm filed for bankruptcy protection in March. This revelation was made during a House Oversight Committee hearing that focused on the company’s financial troubles and the sale of its assets following a bankruptcy auction. The bankruptcy filing raised significant alarm about the potential mishandling of sensitive genetic information belonging to millions of Americans who have used 23andMe. Many customers opted to delete their data amid fears that it could fall into the hands of a buyer lacking ethical standards. In May, the pharmaceutical company Regeneron secured the winning bid of $256 million to purchase 23andMe, which includes access to its extensive genetic databases. Regeneron has stated its intentions to utilize this genetic data for drug discovery while also pledging to uphold the privacy practices established by 23andMe. As the situation develops, a federal bankruptcy court is set to review Regeneron's acquisition later this month. This bankruptcy follows a previous incident where a significant data breach compromised the personal and genetic information of 6.9 million 23andMe customers. The company attributed the breach to customer negligence regarding multi-factor authentication, avoiding accountability for its own security shortcomings. Additionally, legal challenges have emerged, with over two dozen states—including Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania—filing lawsuits against 23andMe. These states contend that the company cannot sell its customers' private data without obtaining explicit consent from them. For those wishing to delete their data, TechCrunch has provided a concise guide on the process.