23andMe Faces Data Deletion Surge Amid Bankruptcy Concerns

The genetic testing company 23andMe is experiencing a surge in user activity as customers rush to delete their sensitive data following the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Many users, fearing that their genetic information could be sold as part of the company’s assets, have faced difficulties accessing their accounts due to website traffic overload. Customers report issues with login verification codes and prolonged waits for customer support. Attorneys General from multiple U.S. states have advised users to delete their data to protect their privacy. Despite reassurances that future buyers of the company will adhere to data privacy laws, concerns remain about how the new owners might handle user information. This follows previous security breaches, including a massive data leak in 2023. Experts warn that the company’s privacy policy could change under new ownership, leaving users uncertain about the long-term fate of their genetic data.