Well, it finally happened. 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, and now everything—including your DNA data—is effectively on the clearance rack.
Despite their reassurances that “your data is safe,” the company is literally auctioning off its assets. Do you trust a mystery buyer with your genetic blueprint? A health insurance company? No thanks.
Let’s not forget that 23andMe’s security track record is… not great. In 2023, hackers waltzed in and stole genetic data from 6.4 million users. That alone was bad. But now, with the company circling the drain, who’s left to ensure your data doesn’t end up in the wrong hands?
What’s the worst that could happen?
- Advertisers profiling you based on your genes? Possible.
- Insurance companies denying you coverage based on “predispositions”? Very possible.
- Your DNA gets scooped up by a fertility clinic, and 20 years from now, someone knocks on your door asking, “Hi, I think you’re my biological parent.” Not likely.
So, do yourself a favor—delete your data now. The California Attorney General even recommends it, which means it’s serious.
I included steps in a previous blog on this topic. The long and short of it: Log in. Find the “Delete Data” option. Click the confirmation email.
Don’t wait—because once it’s sold, there’s no getting it back.
