New York Attorney General Letitia James has urged 23andMe customers to secure their genetic data following the company’s bankruptcy filing. Concerns about potential data management under new ownership have prompted users to delete their accounts. 23andMe’s stock plummeted after the filing, reflecting a 59% decline on Monday.
23andMe’s saliva tests provide ancestry and health risk insights. The company has made over 30 deals allowing access to its database, but most agreements remain undisclosed. Experts warn that genetic data is a valuable asset with significant privacy implications if sold.
Despite assurances that data management practices won’t change, experts like Adrianus Warmenhoven emphasize the importance of protecting genetic information. California Attorney General Rob Bonta also advised customers to delete their data due to privacy concerns.
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