Latest news with #CaliforniaConsumerProtectionAct
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
23andMe users told to consider deleting their data by California attorney general as the company files for bankruptcy
23andMe users are being advised to delete their data as the company files for bankruptcy. The California attorney general issued a consumer alert urging users of the biotech company to consider asking the company to delete their data and destroy any samples of genetic material. California attorney general Rob Bonta is urging 23andMe users to ask the company to delete their data and destroy any samples of genetic material as it files for bankruptcy. The biotech company said on Sunday it had started voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. It is operating as usual throughout the sale process. On Friday, when rumors of 23andMe's plans started to circulate, Bonta issued a consumer alert reminding users of their right to request the biotech company to delete their genetic information under the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) and California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). 'California has robust privacy laws that allow consumers to take control and request that a company delete their genetic data,' Bonta said in a statement. '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.' Users can request that 23andMe delete their genetic data in the "settings" section of their profile under "23andMe Data" at the bottom of the page. Users can also download a copy of their genetic data for personal storage. If users previously opted to have a saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe, they can change that under the "Preferences" section. Representatives for 23andMe said in an open letter to customers that their data remains protected. "The Chapter 11 filing does not change how we store, manage, or protect customer data," the company said. "Any buyer of 23andMe will be required to comply with applicable law with respect to the treatment of customer data." 23andMe has had a tumultuous few years. The company is still grappling with the aftermath of a massive 2023 data breach that compromised the information of nearly 7 million people—around half of its customer base. As many of its 15 million users rush to remove their genetic data from company records, revenue has continued to decline. In November, the company laid off 200 employees—around 40% of its workforce—and halted the development of all its therapies. The company's CEO and cofounder, Anne Wojcicki, also announced she was stepping down over the weekend. She will be temporarily replaced by the company's chief financial officer, Joe Selsavage, but will remain on the 23andMe board. Wojcicki had been advocating for a buyout since April of last year, but the company's board rejected the proposal. In late February, Wojcicki teamed up with New Mountain Capital, a venture capital firm, to propose buying out the struggling company's shareholders at $2.53 per share, valuing the company at $74.7 million. Just four years ago, the biotech firm was worth $6 billion. In a post on X, Wojcicki said she was "disappointed" the company had filed for bankruptcy. "While I am disappointed that we have come to this conclusion and my bid was rejected, I am supportive of the company and I intend to be a bidder. I have resigned as CEO of the company so I can be in the best position to pursue the company as an independent bidder," she wrote. 'If I am fortunate enough to secure the company's assets through the restructuring process, I remain committed to our long-term vision of being a global leader in genetics," she added. This story was originally featured on
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How to Protect Your DNA Data After 23andMe's Bankruptcy Filing
As genetic testing giant 23andMe files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, millions of customers face an urgent privacy question: What happens to my DNA data now?The company's financial collapse could eventually lead to the sale of its assets to pay creditors—potentially including the genetic information of over 15 million people who have provided saliva samples over the L.A. residents concerned about their genetic privacy, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a timely reminder that state laws provide strong protections. Both the Genetic Information Privacy Act and the California Consumer Protection Act give consumers the right to delete their data and have their biological samples your step-by-step guide to protecting your genetic information: Delete Your Genetic Data: Log into your 23andMe account on their website Go to "Settings" in your profile Scroll to "23andMe Data" at the bottom of the page Click "View" next to "23andMe Data" Download your data first if you want a personal copy Scroll to "Delete Data" and click "Permanently Delete Data" Confirm your request via the email link 23andMe sends you Destroy Your Physical Sample: If you previously allowed 23andMe to store your saliva sample, you can revoke this permission from the "Preferences" section of your account settings Research Consent: If you gave permission for your genetic data to be used in research, you can withdraw consent through the "Research and Product Consents" section in your account company's 2024 financial troubles, which led to a significant market value decline, have raised serious concerns about long-term data security. For customers who provided DNA samples with the promise of learning about their ancestry or health predispositions, this bankruptcy serves as a wake-up call about the potential risks of sharing genetic information with private these steps now ensures your most personal data—the genetic code that makes you who you are—doesn't end up in unexpected hands as 23andMe navigates its uncertain future. Get the latest news delivered to your inbox daily! Sign up for Los Angeles Magazine's The Daily Brief below or click here.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California advises users of DNA genealogy website to erase their data after financial report
( — California Attorney General Rob Bonta is warning about a risk to their data from a company that recently reported it was in financial distress. According to the Attorney General's office, 23andMe said in security filings that there is 'substantial doubt' about the genetic testing-focused company's future. Bonta advised California residents of their right under the Genetic Information Privacy Act and California Consumer Protection Act to request their data held by companies be deleted and genetic materials be destroyed. 'California has robust privacy laws that allow consumers to take control and request that a company delete their genetic data,' Bonta said. '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.' Bonta's office compiled the following steps to request data be deleted: 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 want a copy of your genetic data for personal storage, 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'll receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request. The Attorney General's Office said customers who requested their saliva sample and DNA be stored by 23andMe can change that preference from their account settings page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
