23andMe bankruptcy DNA raises data privacy concerns

By SCOTT SANDER
WISH-TV | wishtv.com

Bankruptcies usually come down to dollars and cents, but one making headlines now also has many people worried about their DNA, too.

The in-home genetics testing company 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 this week, prompting many questions about what will happen next with the personal information at the heart of the company’s business.

“We can’t determine the future of the company in the direction they want to take it,” said Business Insider’s Jordan Hart. “We know they’re going to continue operating until they find a new buyer.”

Hart spoke with WISH-TV’s Jeremy Jenkins on Daybreak. Jeremy shared his own personal concerns as a 23andMe customer.

Hart’s response: “I think that it’s worth taking another look at 23andMe’s privacy policy as it exists today, just to get a refresher on what it means for your data. If you choose to delete your account, which data are they required to keep? What data can they delete and throw away as far as, you know, your genetic samples, et cetera.”

Indiana’s Attorney General has urged people to delete their accounts. An open letter to customers addresses some of the fears, but Hart’s Business Insider reporting points out the company claims it must keep some of the data.

Per the website’s privacy statement: “23andMe and/or our contracted genotyping laboratory will retain your Genetic Information, date of birth, and sex as required for compliance with applicable legal obligations … even if you chose to delete your account.”

“There are some things that we know for sure that they’ll maintain. I believe email addresses as well,” Hart says. “And then when it comes to the genetic information, I think that’s where a lot of people are going to have questions and want more clarity from 23andMe.”

This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/news/business/23andme-bankruptcy-genetic-data.