23andMe Files for Bankruptcy, Users Face Data Privacy Concerns

23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, prompting concerns over the future handling of its sensitive user data, particularly among its 15 million customers who submitted DNA samples. Data protection expert Daragh O'Brien highlighted that the sale of the company's assets, including its vast database, raises significant privacy issues, as there is no guarantee that existing privacy protections will be upheld under new ownership. The company's struggles with business sustainability have culminated in this court-supervised sale process, with its valuation plummeting from $6 billion to potentially under $50 million. Cybersecurity experts have labeled this situation a 'privacy nightmare,' urging users to consider deleting their accounts and data. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden has publicly advised users on how to close their accounts to protect their information. As 23andMe navigates the bankruptcy process, the implications for user data privacy remain uncertain.