The recent news that 23andMe, the popular at-home DNA testing company, is facing significant financial headwinds and potentially bankruptcy, should send a shiver down the spine of anyone who’s ever spat into one of their little tubes. While the company’s financial woes are concerning for shareholders, the implications for customer privacy are far more significant. 23&Me’s bankruptcy should have you worried!
According to recent reports, the potential sale of 23andMe’s assets during bankruptcy proceedings could mean your genetic data, your saliva samples, and your personal information could end up in the hands of unknown entities. This isn’t just about a company going under; it’s about the very essence of your biological identity potentially being commodified and sold off.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Your DNA is unique. It’s the ultimate identifier, containing a wealth of information about your ancestry, health predispositions, and even potential future medical conditions. Unlike a credit card number, which can be changed, your DNA is immutable. Once it’s out there, it’s out there.
The potential sale of 23andMe’s data raises serious questions:
- Who will have access to your genetic information? Will it be sold to pharmaceutical companies, insurance providers, or even law enforcement?
- How will this data be used? Could it be used to target you with personalised advertising, discriminate against you based on your genetic predispositions, or even be used in ways we can’t yet imagine?
- What safeguards will be in place to protect your privacy? Once your data is sold, you lose control over its destiny.
Now Is the Time to Act: Delete Your Data
The most crucial takeaway from this news is that if you’ve used 23andMe, now is the time to take action. Waiting until the company’s assets are sold will make it exponentially harder, if not impossible, to reclaim your data.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Log in to your 23andMe account: Access your account settings.
- Request data deletion: Follow 23andMe’s instructions carefully. You can find information about your account settings and deletion procedures here: What’s In Your Account Settings. Look for options related to account closure and data deletion.
- Download your raw data (if you want it): Before deleting, you might want to download a copy of your raw genetic data for your own records.
- Confirm deletion: Ensure you receive confirmation that your data has been permanently deleted.
Why Acting Now Is Critical
In a bankruptcy scenario, the focus shifts to maximising asset value. Your data, which is a valuable asset, could be sold off to the highest bidder. Once that happens, your ability to control its fate diminishes significantly.
The Bigger Picture: Data Privacy in the Age of Genomics
The 23andMe situation highlights a broader concern: the increasing commodification of our personal data, particularly our genetic data. As at-home DNA testing becomes more popular, we must be vigilant about the privacy implications.
We need stronger regulations to protect genetic data and hold companies accountable for its responsible handling. We need to demand transparency and control over our own biological information.
Don’t wait. Take action now. Your DNA is your most personal information. Don’t let it become a commodity.
Contact Vertex Cyber Security if you have concerns regarding the safety of your personal data. Our team of experts can help to protect you and your family!
