Is Your Genetic Privacy Safe? AG Bonta’s Urgent Message to 23andMe Customers

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued an urgent consumer alert to customers of 23andMe, a genetic testing company that has recently filed for bankruptcy. He advises Californians to take immediate action to protect their sensitive genetic information by deleting their data and requesting the destruction of any biological samples held by the company.

Recommended Actions for 23andMe Customers:

1. Delete Your Genetic Data:
   • Log into your 23andMe account.
   • Navigate to the “Settings” section.
   • Scroll to the “23andMe Data” section at the bottom.
   • Click “View” next to “23andMe Data.”
   • If desired, download your data for personal records.
   • Click “Permanently Delete Data” and confirm via the email sent to you.
2. Destroy Your Biological Sample:
   • In your account settings, go to “Preferences.”
   • Change your selection regarding sample storage to request destruction.
3. Revoke Research Consent:
   • Access “Research and Product Consents” in your account settings.
   • Withdraw any previously given consent for your data’s use in research.

Attorney General Bonta emphasizes that California’s privacy laws, including the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), grant consumers the right to control their genetic data. Given 23andMe’s financial instability, he urges consumers to exercise these rights promptly to safeguard their personal information.

For more detailed information, you can view the official press release from the California Attorney General’s office.

So as we covered in past news piece that AG Bonta has been very aggressive in urging California residents to exercise their privacy rights and with the advice gien regarding the 23andMe.com bankruptcy he has no sings of slowing down as he just urged consumers to delete their genetic data amid the 23andMe collapse.