23andMe Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, User DNA Data at Risk

23andMe, the popular DNA testing company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 24, raising significant concerns about the fate of its users' genetic data, which is now slated for sale in a court-supervised auction. With over 15 million customers' data at stake, experts warn that the potential misuse of immutable genetic information could pose serious privacy risks, especially given the company's history of data breaches. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has urged users to take action by deleting their data, highlighting their rights under state privacy laws. While 23andMe has assured customers that there will be no changes to how their data is stored or managed, the lack of robust federal regulations leaves many users uneasy about the future handling of their sensitive information. The impending sale process has sparked widespread concern among users about the privacy implications of their genetic data being treated as a corporate asset. The situation underscores the urgent need for stronger protections regarding genetic information in the tech industry.