23andMe Bankruptcy Raises Data Privacy Concerns

23andMe, a genetic testing company, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, raising significant concerns about the security and privacy of its users' genetic data. Despite assurances from the company that the bankruptcy process will not affect data management practices, privacy experts and Attorney Generals from multiple states are urging users to delete their data due to the risk of it being sold as an asset. This follows a prior data breach in 2023 that compromised the personal information of nearly seven million customers. As the company pursues a sale, former CEO Anne Wojcicki has resigned to independently bid for 23andMe, while state laws, such as those in New Hampshire and Delaware, empower residents to delete their data and opt-out of data sales. Users are advised to act promptly to protect their most intimate information, as the outcome of potential lawsuits seeking data protection remains uncertain.