NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a consumer alert to customers of 23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, encouraging them to act to protect their data. 23andMe collects and analyzes individuals’ genetic code, using DNA samples to help trace ancestry or detect personal health risks. The company has filed for bankruptcy and announced plans to sell its assets. Given the extensive collection of sensitive consumer data by 23andMe, Attorney General James reminds New Yorkers that they can request the deletion of their personal data and the destruction of any genetic material samples held by the company.
“New Yorkers’ genetic data is sensitive information that must be protected at all costs,” said Attorney General James. “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.”
Attorney General James provides New Yorkers with guidance on deleting their data stored with 23andMe or destroying test samples. Consumers can delete their account and personal information by following these 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 wish to retain a copy of your genetic data, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding.
Scroll to the “Delete Data” section.
Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
Confirm your request: You will receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request.
If you previously opted to have your saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe but wish to change this preference, you can do so from your account settings page, under “Preferences.”
If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers using your genetic data and sample for research, you may withdraw consent from the account settings page, under “Research and Product Consents.”
— news from New York State Attorney General