How to Protect Your Genetic Data After 23andMe Filed for Bankruptcy
A complete guide to safeguarding your most personal information in uncertain times
If you’ve ever sent a DNA sample to 23andMe to learn about your ancestry or health traits, you’re not alone—millions of people have. But with recent news that 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, a new concern has emerged: What happens to your genetic data now? And how can you protect it?
Genetic data isn’t just another piece of personal info—it’s your biological blueprint. And when a company that stores such intimate data goes bankrupt, it can raise a host of legal, ethical, and security questions. Here’s everything you need to know, plus practical steps to protect yourself going forward.
🧬 Why Genetic Data Matters More Than You Think
Unlike your email address or credit card number, your genetic data is permanent. You can’t change it. And it doesn’t just reveal information about you—it can reveal things about your family, your future children, and even your risk for certain diseases.
That makes DNA data incredibly valuable—to researchers, pharmaceutical companies, insurance providers, and unfortunately, even hackers.
When a company like 23andMe experiences financial trouble or files for bankruptcy, it opens the door to new risks for the privacy of your data.
💥 23andMe’s Bankruptcy: What We Know So Far
As of 2025, 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing declining revenue, lawsuits over past data breaches, and increased public scrutiny over how it handles user data. The company has said it will attempt to restructure and continue operating—but bankruptcy puts assets on the table, and your genetic data is one of those assets.
While 23andMe has repeatedly claimed it will not sell customer data without consent, bankruptcy courts can override contracts in some situations, especially if data is considered a transferable asset.
That’s why now is the time to take control of your genetic information—before decisions are made without your input.
🔐 5 Immediate Steps to Protect Your Genetic Data
Whether you’re a long-time 23andMe customer or recently submitted your sample, here’s what you can do now to help safeguard your information:
1. Download and Delete Your Data
If you haven’t already, log into your 23andMe account and download a copy of your raw DNA data. Then, request that your genetic data and account be deleted permanently. This can typically be done through your profile settings.
Important: Deleting your account will remove your access to health reports and ancestry insights, so make sure you save anything you want before proceeding.
2. Revoke Third-Party Data Sharing
Go to your privacy settings and check whether your data is being shared with research partners or third parties. Opt out of any data-sharing programs immediately.
3. Monitor Legal Updates
Follow the bankruptcy case to stay informed about what’s happening with customer data. Consumer advocacy groups may petition the court to restrict or block the sale of user data—your voice matters here.
4. Strengthen Your Digital Security
Use a strong, unique password for your DNA account and change it regularly. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorized access, especially if you haven’t already.
5. Be Wary of Phishing or Fraud
As genetic data breaches grow more common, scammers may target users of companies like 23andMe with fake alerts, phishing emails, or fraudulent research invitations. Stay vigilant.
🧠 How Bankruptcy Affects Your DNA Rights
Here’s where things get tricky. Under bankruptcy law, a company’s assets—which can include customer data—may be sold to satisfy debts. While companies like 23andMe typically promise not to sell data without consent, those agreements can potentially be overturned in court.
However, several protections may apply:
- The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) may step in to prevent the sale of personal data in a way that contradicts a company’s privacy policy.
- You can submit formal objections if the court considers data transfer.
- State laws, such as California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), may offer you stronger rights depending on where you live.
🔍 What Happens to Your Genetic Data After You Delete It?
Many users are understandably skeptical. If you delete your DNA data, is it really gone?
Here’s the truth: It depends.
- Stored DNA Samples: If you opted for biobanking (allowing 23andMe to store your physical saliva sample), you need to request its destruction.
- Digital Data: The company states it deletes your information from active systems, but backups or logs may persist for a limited time.
- Shared Data: If your data was already shared with third parties for research (with your consent), deletion doesn’t revoke those copies.
That’s why opting out early and requesting deletion now is the safest bet.
🧪 What About Data Shared with Researchers or Partners?
23andMe has collaborated with various pharmaceutical and biotech companies over the years. If you opted into research, your anonymized genetic data may already be in use.
While that data is typically de-identified, re-identification is becoming increasingly possible with AI and massive datasets. The risk isn’t zero.
Key Tip: Check your research consent status in your account settings. You may still be able to withdraw consent for future use—even if data has already been shared.
🧭 What About Other DNA Testing Companies? Should You Be Worried?
Yes—this isn’t just a 23andMe problem. AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, and others also collect sensitive genetic data. While many offer strong privacy controls, they’re still businesses with stakeholders—and they’re not immune to bankruptcy or breaches.
Best practices moving forward:
- Always read privacy policies carefully
- Avoid opting into research unless you fully understand how your data will be used
- Assume that once your data is shared, it can’t be completely retrieved
- Periodically review your privacy settings and permissions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it too late to delete my data if I already submitted it years ago?
No. You can request account deletion and data removal at any time, even if you’ve been a customer for years. However, previously shared data with research partners might not be retrievable.
Q: What happens to my physical DNA sample?
If you opted into biobanking, your saliva sample may still be stored. You can request that it be destroyed through your account settings or by contacting customer support.
Q: Can the bankruptcy court sell my data to pay off creditors?
It’s possible—but not without legal hurdles. Courts, regulators, and consumers can object. That’s why staying informed and vocal matters.
Q: Will deleting my data affect family matches or shared DNA trees?
Yes. Deleting your data will remove your profile from ancestry matching and DNA relatives features. If this is important to you, consider saving connections before deleting.
Q: What are the risks of keeping my data with 23andMe?
Risks include unauthorized data access, future data sales, or potential misuse if company ownership changes. The best defense is informed consent, strong passwords, and reviewing your privacy controls.
✅ Conclusion: Your DNA Deserves Privacy and Protection
Your DNA contains some of the most intimate information about who you are—and who you might become. And in the wake of 23andMe’s bankruptcy, it’s more important than ever to take ownership of that information.
This situation is a wake-up call. Many of us sent off a saliva sample without fully understanding the long-term consequences. Now, with a major player in the DNA testing world in financial trouble, we’re forced to ask hard questions: Who owns your data? How is it protected? What happens when trust breaks down?
The good news is that you’re not powerless. By acting now—downloading and deleting your data, revoking permissions, staying informed, and choosing transparency—you can take back control over your genetic identity.
If you’re considering DNA testing in the future, ask the right questions upfront. Choose companies with strong privacy protections and a track record of putting users first.