BOISE, ID – Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador issued a consumer alert Monday regarding genetic data stored by 23andMe, following the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on March 23, 2025.
According to the announcement, 23andMe—known for its genetic testing and ancestry services—has disclosed plans to sell its corporate assets during bankruptcy proceedings. This could include customer-submitted genetic data.
“There is nothing more personal than an individual’s genetic information,” said Labrador. “Allowing that to be sold off to the highest bidder raises serious consumer protection concerns for privacy.”
Consumers who previously submitted genetic samples to 23andMe may have consented to the company storing their data for research. Labrador’s office advised individuals to take action if they want their data removed.
Steps for removing genetic data from 23andMe include:
- Logging into the account and accessing Settings.
- Navigating to the 23andMe data section and selecting “View.”
- Entering a birthdate for security verification.
- Choosing which data to download and selecting “Permanently delete data.”
- Confirming the deletion via email from 23andMe.
Once confirmed, deletion begins automatically and access to the account is removed.
Consumers can also use the “Permission Slip by CR” app from Consumer Reports to request deletion of personal data from 23andMe and similar companies.
The Attorney General’s Office recommends that individuals who have used other direct-to-consumer genetic testing services verify whether their data is stored and request its removal if desired.
For more information, contact Dan Estes at daniel.estes@ag.idaho.gov.
