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By rdnewsNOW Staff

PROTECT YOUR DATA

Information and Privacy Commissioner reminds of privacy options amidst 23andMe bankruptcy filing

Apr 25, 2025 | 10:03 AM

In light of 23andMe filing for bankruptcy in a U.S. court last month, Alberta’s Information and Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod is reminding residents to protect their personal information.

She says genetic information is one of the most sensitive types of personal information, as human genome processing can include information about ancestry, risk of hereditary diseases and behavioural predispositions for things like depression or addiction.

“While this has the potential to enable great advances in treatment, it also makes genetic information a valuable and desired asset,” said McLeod. “Any breach of such sensitive personal information not only affects that individual, but also members of their extended biological family.”

According to the Commissioner, the assets filed under the company’s bankruptcy include a large amount of data connected to its genomic sequencing services. She says other media reports indicate 23andMe has received court approval to sell these assets, which include DNA samples customers have chosen to leave with the company.

“It is uncertain who will become the new owner of 23andMe and its assets, and what their intentions may be for the personal information obtained,” commented McLeod. “In this type of situation, it is important for people to know that they have a number of options to protect any personal information held by 23andMe.”

One option is for 23andMe users to adjust their settings relating to research participation, data sharing and “biobanking.” They may also delete their account and genetic data from the platform. This option is found in account settings under “23andMe Data,” then by selecting “Permanently Delete Data.”

Requests to destroy physical DNA samples, and other questions, can be sent through the 23andMe customer service portal: https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/requests/new.

Past guidance on genetic testing and privacy from the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner is available here.