Kentucky Attorney General urges 23andMe customers to protect their genetic data

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman issued a consumer alert about the company 23andMe.  Coleman encouraged customers to protect their genetic data following 23andMe’s bankruptcy announcement.

California-based 23andMe collects and analyzes people’s genetic code and uses DNA samples for many purposes, including helping people trace their ancestry and detect personal health risks. The company filed for bankruptcy last month and has announced plans to sell its assets.

Under the Kentucky Genetic Information Privacy Act, Coleman said Kentuckians have the right to delete consumer account information and genetic data and to request and obtain the destruction of any samples of genetic material held by the company. 

Coleman said anyone who previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers using their genetic data and sample for research can withdraw consent from the account settings page under “Research and Product Consents.”

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.

To Destroy Your 23andMe Test Sample:   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.”  

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