Millions of people using popular DNA testing site urged to 'delete data now' after new warning is issued

A general attorney has issued a warning to Americans about their 'genetic data' as the second-largest DNA company that has served 15 million customers worldwide files for bankruptcy.

23AndMe - a name many will have likely seen when thinking about tracing your family tree via your DNA - has recently filed for bankruptcy protection, with the company's CEO and co-founder, Anne Wojcicki, having also resigned, the BBC reports.

With this in mind, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has urged Americans who've used the service to 'consider invoking their rights' and destroying the 'genetic data' it may hold on them, as the company is reportedly in 'financial distress' and 'substantial doubt about its ability to continue'.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has stressed that customers should opt to remove their data from 23andMe (Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Prior to this, the DNA testing firm was at the center of a controversy after a mass data breach saw seven million users have their data exposed in 2023.

According to the BBC, hackers gained access to data via users' old passwords, however, the company said the data didn't include DNA records.

“California has robust privacy laws that allow consumers to take control and request that a company delete their genetic data,” Bonta said in a press release.

"Given 23andMe’s reported financial distress, I remind Californians to consider invoking their rights and directing 23andMe to delete their data and destroy any samples of genetic material held by the company."

In a statement, the company's chairman, Mark Jensen, said they are 'committed to continuing to safeguard customer data and being transparent about the management of user data going forward' as 23AndMe undergoes 'a court-supervised sale process'.

"Data privacy will be an important consideration in any potential transaction." he added.

23andMe has declared bankruptcy (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

How to delete genetic data from 23andMe

Golden State's Attorney General Bonta and his office detailed exactly how consumers can remove their data from 23andMe.

The State of California's Department of Justice, explains: "Consumers can delete their account and personal information by taking the following steps."

1. Log into your 23andMe account on their website.
2. Go to the “Settings” section of your profile.
3. Scroll to a section labeled “23andMe Data” at the bottom of the page.
4. Click “View” next to “23andMe Data”
5. Download your data: If you want a copy of your genetic data for personal storage, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding.
6. Scroll to the “Delete Data” section.
7. Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
8. Confirm your request: You’ll receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request.

How to destroy 23andMe test sample

Bonta's office writes: "If you previously opted to have your saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe, but want to change that preference, you can do so from your account settings page, under 'Preferences.'"

UNILAD has contacted 23andMe for comment.