On March 23, 2025, biotech company 23andMe voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with plans to sell substantially all of its assets. Despite the restructuring, the company states that it will continue operations normally, with no immediate changes to how customer data is stored or managed.
However, growing privacy concerns have prompted warnings from state attorneys general and consumer advocacy groups urging users to secure or delete their personal data.
This major shift comes just hours after CEO Anne Wojcicki officially resigned, marking a turning point in the company’s leadership and future direction.
Given these developments, understanding how to take control of your data is crucial.
What Kind of Data Does 23andMe Store?
23andMe holds deeply personal genetic and behavioral data, including:
- Raw Genetic Data – Genotype sequences (As, Ts, Gs, Cs)
- Reports Summary – Snapshot of health, ancestry, and traits reports
- Ancestry Composition – Genomic breakdown in CSV format
- DNA Relatives Data – Shared segments and matches
- Phenotype & Self-Reported Info – Based on surveys and user inputs
- Web Behavior & Registration Info – Login history, legal documents, order history
Understanding the depth of this stored data highlights why users are urged to act swiftly.
Before deletion, downloading this information is advisable for personal records.
How to Download Your 23andMe Data?
To retrieve your personal data:
1. Log in to your 23andMe account
2. Go to Account Settings > 23andMe Data
3. Request downloads for:
◦ Raw Data
◦ Reports Summary
◦ Ancestry Composition
◦ Family Tree & Genotype Data
4. Confirm your birthdate, then wait 2–4 days for the confirmation email
5. Download the zip file from a desktop computer only
The downloaded file can be opened using WordPad, Excel, or other text editors.
Once data is secured, the next critical step is permanent deletion.
How to Permanently Delete Your Data?
To remove your data from 23andMe’s servers:
- Log in → Account Settings → 23andMe Data
- Click View → Delete Data → Permanently Delete
- Confirm deletion via email prompt
Upon confirmation, your account access is permanently revoked, and all associated data is automatically erased. This action is irreversible, according to 23andMe’s official policy.
Still facing issues? Contact support at privacy@23andme.com for assistance.
What Sparked the Urgency? A History of Breaches
The current urgency stems from a 2023 data breach that exposed data of 6.9 million customers, including ancestry reports, profile photos, DNA matches, family names, and locations.
Despite this, users were not immediately notified, leading to a $30 million hassle-free class action settlement in September 2024.
These incidents raised serious concerns over 23andMe’s data handling policies, prompting official warnings. The California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the Georgia Attorney General's office have both urged users to delete their data immediately to avoid potential misuse following the asset sale.
These legal pressures reinforce the importance of acting before new owners take control.
Your Privacy Is in Your Hands
With 23andMe's future uncertain, users must proactively manage their data. Downloading and deleting your genetic and behavioral data ensures that sensitive information doesn't end up in unknown hands. While the company claims continued data security during the sale process, experts advise not to wait.
This situation underscores a broader truth: businesses that fail to invest in strong data governance strategies put both customers and their survival at risk. For a deeper look into why data management is no longer optional, read How a Strong Data Strategy Ensures Business Survival.
To stay protected, download your information, delete it permanently, and monitor official updates from your state’s Attorney General or consumer protection agencies.
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