California Attorney General Rob Bonta urged state residents to delete their data from DNA genetic testing company 23andMe amid the entity’s reported bankruptcy.
“California has robust privacy laws that allow consumers to take control and request that a company delete their genetic data,” Bonta said in a statement last week. “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.”
Bonta then provided directions as to how consumers may delete their data.
The genetic testing company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Sunday.
Mark Jensen, Chair and member of the Special Committee of the Board of Directors, said of the Chapter 11 proceedings, “After a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives, we have determined that a court-supervised sale process is the best path forward to maximize the value of the business.”
We expect the court-supervised process will advance our efforts to address the operational and financial challenges we face, including further cost reductions and the resolution of legal and leasehold liabilities,” Jensen said. “We believe in the value of our people and our assets and hope that this process allows our mission of helping people access, understand and benefit from the human genome to live on for the benefit of customers and patients.”
“We want to thank our employees for their dedication to 23andMe’s mission. We are committed to supporting them as we move through the process,” Jensen added. “In addition, we are committed to continuing to safeguard customer data and being transparent about the management of user data going forward, and data privacy will be an important consideration in any potential transaction.”
The company’s CEO, Anne Wojcicki, announced her resignation from her position. “I have resigned as CEO of the company so I can be in the best position to pursue the company as an independent bidder,” she said.
