AG Bonta Warns Californians Amid 23andMe Financial Woes

OAKLAND, Calif. — California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an urgent consumer alert today regarding 23andMe, a genetic testing company facing serious financial issues. In recent filings, the company has revealed significant doubts about its ability to remain operational, raising concerns for its customers.

Data privacy is at the forefront of Bonta’s warning as the California-based firm has accumulated a vast amount of sensitive consumer genetic data. Under the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Californians have the right to direct the deletion of their genetic information.

“California has robust privacy laws that allow consumers to take control and request that a company delete their genetic data,” Bonta stated. “Given 23andMe’s reported financial distress, I remind Californians to consider invoking their rights and directing 23andMe to delete their data and destroy any samples of genetic material held by the company.”

To delete genetic data, consumers can follow specific steps on the 23andMe website. Users are advised to log into their accounts, navigate to the “Settings” section, and locate the “23andMe Data” section. They can then choose to download their data before proceeding to the “Delete Data” section and finally confirm the deletion request via a link sent to their email.

For those wanting to destroy their saliva sample, they can change their preferences under the account settings. Additionally, consumers who have consented to allow their genetic data to be used for research can revoke this permission through the settings page.

Under GIPA, California consumers have the authority to delete both their account and genetic data, as well as request the destruction of biological samples after initial testing. The CCPA further bolsters this protection by granting the right to delete personal information, which encompasses genetic data, from businesses.

For further information regarding the CCPA, consumers are encouraged to visit the official state website.