AG offers help to protect 23andMe data

Attorney General Charity Clark has issued a consumer alert to help Vermonters protect their personal data in the wake of 23andMe’s recent bankruptcy filing.  On March 24, 23andMe announced that they had filed for bankruptcy. 23andMe is a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company that collects and analyzes genetic information and health data for consumers.
The company announced it will continue to operate its business through the sale, and that it has made no changes to the way it stores, manages, and protects personal data. However, 23andMe plans to sell virtually all of its assets. This raises the risk that 23andMe may attempt to sell Vermonters’ personal data and other private information in the bankruptcy process.
Clark is notifying Vermonters of actions they can take to make sure that 23andMe deletes their personal data rather than selling it.
Vermonters can demand that 23andMe delete their data, destroy any test samples they provided to the company, and revoke permissions for the use of their genetic data.
If someone previously opted to have their saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe, but wants to change that preference, they can do so from their account settings page under “Preferences.”  If someone previously consented to allowing 23andMe and third-party researchers to use their genetic data and sample for research, they may withdraw consent from the account settings page, under “Research and Product Consents.”
Any Vermonters who have trouble deleting their data or revoking permissions for storage and use should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program at (800) 649-2424 or by email at AGO.CAP@vermont.gov.