It seems the great quest for learning all about our genetic makeup may be starting to fizzle. The testing company 23andMe filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy in California on March 23.
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“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,” Mark Jensen, Chair and member of the Special Committee of the Board of Directors, said in a release. “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.”
"Delete your DNA from 23andMe right now"
— Heather Long (@byHeatherLong) March 24, 2025
From tech reporter Geoffrey Fowler:
Unless you take action, there is a risk your genetic information could end up in someone else’s hands — and used in ways you had never considered. It took me just 1 minute to delete my data on the… pic.twitter.com/znqrhlsd0k
23andMe Will Remain Focused On Customer Safety Through The Bankruptcy Process
Jensen shared his commitment to keeping 23andMe information private.
“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. 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.”
23andMe intends to sell its assets through bankruptcy proceedings, a move that is of concern to many on social media.
Geoffrey A. Fowler advised users on X to remove all information from the platform immediately. “PSA: Delete your DNA from 23andMe right now. It just declared bankruptcy. And California’s attorney general has issued an unusual ‘consumer alert’ about how to protect your privacy.”
A follower responded with a warning, “FYI, it takes a lot of time to do this right now. Each webpage is clearly getting hit by high number of users and a lot of time out errors.”
Jensen reiterated his commitment to 23andMe users as the company moves through the bankruptcy process.
“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.”
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