What happens to your DNA when the company you trusted goes bankrupt?
That’s the question Atlanta-area resident Mike found himself asking — and he’s not alone.
Like millions of others, Mike used 23andMe to explore his ancestry and learn more about his genetic health. But now that 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, a troubling new question emerges: What happens to all that highly personal DNA data?
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t exactly comforting.
23andMe’s Bankruptcy Isn’t Just a Business Story — It’s a Privacy Wakeup Call
For years, 23andMe marketed itself as a tool for curiosity seekers and health-conscious consumers. You spit in a tube, mail it off, and a few weeks later, you could learn about your ancestry, health risks, and even distant relatives.
But when the company filed for bankruptcy, its most valuable asset wasn’t just its brand or technology — it was the genetic information of millions of users. That spells big trouble, since your DNA and your genetic information could go to the highest bidder — whether you like it or not.
In other words: If another company buys 23andMe, they may acquire your genetic data in the process.
That’s not just creepy — it’s potentially dangerous.
Why You Should Take Action — Now
So what can you do if you’ve already used 23andMe? Our advice is clear: act quickly to protect your privacy.
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Delete Your 23andMe Account
This doesn’t guarantee your data disappears entirely — but it’s the first step in reclaiming some control.
2. Request Destruction of Your DNA Sample
23andMe allows users to request that their physical DNA sample (often still stored at their labs) be destroyed. Again, this request must go through their official process — which isn’t exactly user-friendly but is required by their terms.
3. Follow Up and Document Everything
When dealing with sensitive data, it’s smart to keep records. Save confirmation emails and take screenshots of your requests in case you need proof later.
Tip: The Attorney General for California recently released detailed instructions on how to delete, destroy, or revoke permission for use of your DNA data, which you can find here.
Why This Matters for Every Consumer
Even if you never used 23andMe, this story is a cautionary tale for anyone handing over sensitive personal data to a private company.
It begs the question: Who really owns your information once you share it?
DNA testing services aren't the only businesses holding valuable personal data. Fitness apps, genealogy services, health trackers — they all collect information that could one day be sold, hacked, or misused.
Most people have no idea they have the right to control their personal data — and even fewer are actually using that right.
In fact, according to 2024 research from Statista, only 36% of internet users worldwide have exercised their legal ability to access, delete, or control how companies use and share their personal information. That might sound low — because it is. But surprisingly, that number is actually up 12% from just two years earlier.
If you've never heard of a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR), you're definitely not alone. But in a world where your personal data is a hot commodity, it's a tool every consumer should know about.
What Should You Do Before Sharing Your Data?
Here are a few smart steps to protect yourself:
- Always read privacy policies (yes, really)
- Look for companies that allow data deletion
- Understand how your information might be shared or sold
- Think twice before handing over sensitive health or genetic data
Remember: Once your DNA is out there, you can’t exactly change it like a password.
Final Takeaway
23andMe’s bankruptcy is a stark reminder — your personal data is valuable, and not always in ways you expect.
If you’ve used 23andMe, now’s the time to act. Delete your account. Request your sample’s destruction. And moving forward, treat your data like you would your money: carefully guarded.
Because in today’s digital world, your DNA might just be the most personal currency of all.
