What Happens to Your DNA Data if 23andMe Sinks?

You've sent your saliva to 23andMe for genetic testing, but what happens if the company runs into trouble? Recently, 23andMe announced they're letting go of 40% of their staff. After their board resigned last year, the company's stock nosedived, raising doubts about its future. CEO Anne Wojcicki says she wants to take the company private, but customers are worried about their DNA data's safety. The company's most valuable asset is the data from its 15 million users. Unlike healthcare companies, 23andMe isn't bound by strict health privacy laws. Under current agreements, users must agree to let the company share their DNA data. If 23andMe is bought out, that data could be accessed or sold.

At least 11 states have laws requiring customer consent before genetic data is transferred. But experts warn that a new owner could change the privacy terms. To protect your data, you can delete your 23andMe account. The process is automated and simple: log in, submit a request, and verify it via email. 23andMe has faced financial struggles since going public in 2021. Most people only need to buy one testing kit, which hasn't helped the company turn a profit. Last year, they reported a net loss of $667 million, more than double the previous year's loss of $312 million.

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