Protect your genetic data: urgent steps after 23 and bankruptcy

The GENETIC TESTS COMPANY 23Andme, once a pioneer in the Consumer DNA tests, has presented the bankruptcy of Chapter 11 in the midst of financial struggles, a leadership shake and growing concerns about the safety of the genetic data of its customers. Let’s take a look at the implications of this development and some steps to safeguard your confidential information.

Stay protected and informed! Get security alerts and expert technology advice: register in the Kurt Cyberguy report now.

The fall of 23Andme: a timeline of challenges

The 23 Andme trip from an assessment of $ 6 billion in 2021 to bankruptcy in 2025 has been marked by significant obstacles.

• Data violation in 2023: TO Cyberata He compromised the genetic and personal data of almost 7 million users, which led to demands and reputation damage.
• Leadership reorganization: The CEO Anne Wojcicki resigned as part of the bankruptcy announcement, positioning himself as a possible buyer of the company.
• Financial decline: The company’s shares collapsed from more than $ 300 per share to less than $ 1, which reflects its deterioration of financial health.
• Reductions of the workforce: In November 2024, 23Andme dismissed 40% of its employees as part of restructuring efforts.
• Banking presentation and sale process: On March 23, 2025, 23Andme initiated voluntary procedures of Chapter 11 in the United States Banking Court for the Eastern District of Missouri to facilitate a sales process destined to maximize the value of their business. The company intends to continue its normal operations throughout this process and has emphasized that there will be no changes in the way in which customer data is stored, managed or protected.

Despite these challenges, the company has declared that its bankruptcy presentation will not affect how it manages or protects customer data. However, there are concerns about the potential sale of their assets, including confidential genetic information.

23Andme Board seeks to maximize the value through a sale support the court

“After an exhaustive evaluation of strategic alternatives, we have determined that a supervised sales process in court is the best way to maximize the value of the business,” said Mark Jensen, president and member of the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of 23andme. “We hope that the process supervised by the Court will advance our efforts to address the operational and financial challenges we face, including new cost reductions and the resolution of legal and lease responsibilities. We believe in the value of our people and our assets and we hope that this process allows our mission to help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome living for the benefit of clients and patients.”

Jensen continued: “We want to thank our employees for their dedication to the mission of 23Andme. We are committed to support them as we move through the process. In addition, we are committed to continuing to safeguard customer data and be transparent about the management of user data in the future, and the privacy of the data will be an important consideration in any potential transaction.”

The violation of employee detection data exposes 3.3 million records

What happens to their genetic data during bankruptcy?

When a company like 23Andme Bankruptcy filesits assets, including customer data, can become part of the sales process. While privacy laws in some states, such as California Genetic Information Privacy LawThey require explicit consent before transferring genetic data to a new owner, the risk of unauthorized misuse or access remains.

23Andme has assured customers that any buyer must comply with applicable privacy laws. However, genetic data is a valuable asset that could be exploited, if they are not properly safeguarding.

In addition, only a week and a half ago, 23Andme updated its terms and conditions, which I have reviewed. They have added an important legal dissemination that could prevent a person from presenting a claim with expectations of a judicial trial. Instead, unless you choose not to participate in notifying 23 Andme within 30 days after the first use, it automatically joins the new terms that force the parties to an arbitration route for any legal remedies that may arise now or in the future.

He entertains him to protect his rights by sending an email to arbitrationoptout@23andme.com with a clear notification that he intends to choose not to receive arbitration. Be sure to use the email address associated with your 23Andme account. That would be the first thing you should do in my next steps you want to take to protect your rights and privacy now.

How to protect your IRS scam data this tax

Steps to protect your genetic data

If you are a 23Andme user or you are considering using similar services, here there are steps that you can take to protect your confidential information and safeguard your data from misuse or potential robbery.

1) choose not to obtain arbitration: If you want to retain your right to sue the company in case of future problems, choose not to receive arbitration agreements by sending an email to your notification to choose not to obtain arbitration arbitrationoptout@23andme.com within 30 days after the first use.

2) Check privacy preferences: Regularly check its privacy and data exchange configuration to ensure that they align with their level of comfort.

3) Limit research participation: Disable participation in research initiatives or product development if you are worried about how your data can be used.

4) Download and secure your data: Before considering the account elimination, download your genetic record and save it safely in a device or service in the encrypted cloud.

5) Request data elimination: If you no longer want 23 to store your data, request your elimination through the configuration of your account. Be sure to request the destruction of any physical sample.

6) Use safe passwords and multifactor authentication: It is essential to create unique and complex passwords for each of its accounts and devices. Avoid reusing passwords in multiple accounts; This type of password reuse was a factor in the recent 23 Andme Data Incallado. Enable the authentication of two factors where it is offered to add an additional security layer that helps prevent unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised. See my best password administrators reviewed by experts by 2025 here.

7) Monitor suspicious activity and use identity theft protection: Genetic data leaks can lead to identity theft or medical fraud. Consider subscribing to an identity theft protection service that monitors personal information, such as your Social Security number, telephone number and email, alert it if these data are on the dark website. Some identity theft services also include up to $ 1 million in identity robbery insurance to cover legal losses and rates and a dedicated fraud resolution team with a case manager based in the United States to help you recover any asset or stolen identity. See my expert recommendations here: better identity robbery protection services for 2025 here.

Order your technology: spring cleaning tips to protect your data

Kurt’s Key Takeways

The 23Andme bankruptcy serves as a warning story about the risks associated with the exchange of confidential genetic information. While the company has pledged to maintain its privacy standards during this turbulent period, consumers must remain attentive. By taking control of your data now, either through improved configuration or elimination, it can be better protected against potential misuse in uncertain times.

Do you think that genetic test companies are doing enough to protect their data against financial instability and potential bankruptcy? Get us knowing in Cyberguy.com/contact.

To obtain more technological tips and safety alerts, subscribe to my free Cyberguy Report newsletter when you head Cyberguy.com/newsletter.

Alert: Malware steals bank cards and passwords from millions of devices.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories we would like to cover.

Follow Kurt in his social channels:

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

Answers to the most informed Cyberguys questions:

• What is the best way to protect your MAC devices, Windows, iPhone and Android to be pirate?
• What is the best way to stay private, safe and anonymous while navigating the web?
• How can I get rid of robocalls with data elimination applications and services?
• How do I eliminate my private internet data?

New Kurt:

• Try the new Cyberguy games (crosswords, words searches, trivia and more!)
• Cyberguy exclusive coupons and offers

Copyright 2025 Cyberguy.com. All rights reserved.