23andMe Data Deletion | Bankruptcy Concerns
- Since its March bankruptcy filing, DNA testing firm 23andMe has been hit with approximately 1.9 million data deletion requests, representing about 15% of its customer base. Interim Chief...
- Lawmakers scrutinized the company's sale following the bankruptcy auction, amid worries that the genetic data of millions of Americans could fall into the wrong hands.
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals secured a court-approved auction win in May, acquiring 23andMe and its vast stores of customer DNA and genetic data for $256 million.
Post-bankruptcy, 23andMe grapples with approximately 1.9 million data deletion requests, signaling notable customer unease. The company’s recent Chapter 11 filing adn subsequent acquisition by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for $256 million have intensified worries over the handling of sensitive genetic data, amplified by the sale of its DNA and genetic data. the surge in requests, representing about 15% of the customer base, follows the wake of lawmakers scrutinizing the sale. The central concern revolves around the potential for misuse of this valuable customer data that could fall into the wrong hands. Simultaneously occurring, Regeneron intends to utilize the data to accelerate drug revelation. News Directory 3 follows this story closely.Discover what steps customers should take to safeguard their data and what this means for the future.
23andMe Faces Data Deletion Requests After Bankruptcy Filing
Since its March bankruptcy filing, DNA testing firm 23andMe has been hit with approximately 1.9 million data deletion requests, representing about 15% of its customer base. Interim Chief Executive Joseph Selsavage revealed this figure during a House Oversight Committee hearing.
Lawmakers scrutinized the company’s sale following the bankruptcy auction, amid worries that the genetic data of millions of Americans could fall into the wrong hands. This surge in requests highlights growing concerns about genetic data privacy.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals secured a court-approved auction win in May, acquiring 23andMe and its vast stores of customer DNA and genetic data for $256 million. Regeneron intends to leverage this data to accelerate the discovery of new drugs and has pledged to uphold 23andMe’s existing privacy policies.
The bankruptcy of 23andMe and subsequent acquisition by Regeneron have amplified customer anxieties surrounding the security and potential misuse of thier personal genetic information.
What’s next
Customers are advised to take proactive steps to ensure their data is removed from 23andMe’s systems,though complete deletion can be a complex process.