CARSON CITY, Nev. (KOLO) – Attorney General Aaron Ford is urging Nevadans to destroy their 23andMe samples for privacy purposes.
The company recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with the stated goal of finding a buyer, raising concerns over the privacy of their shared genetic data.
“I urge Nevadans to access their accounts on 23andMe’s website and consider deleting their shared genetic data in order to ensure their privacy,” said AG Ford. “23andMe has indicated they will continue to honor such actions, and users should make use of this option as soon as possible.”
The genetic testing company has allowed customers to destroy their samples after the declaration of its bankruptcy. Ford says selecting the option to destroy the data stops it from being used in research.
To request 23andMe destroy your DNA sample:
- Go to “Settings” and then “Preferences;”
- Withdraw any consent you have given for your sample to be stored or used for research; and
- Under “Research and Product Consents,” you can also revoke consent for future research participation.
To delete your 23andMe account:
- go to “Settings” and then “23andMe Data;”
- Click “View;”
- Select “Delete Data;”
- Click “Permanently Delete Data;” and
- Follow the prompts
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