HENDERSON, KY. (WEHT) — Attorney General Russell Coleman released a consumer warning and urged Kentuckians to safeguard their genetic information following 23andMe’s bankruptcy announcement .
Authorities state that the California-based firm 23andMe gathers and examines individuals' genetic codes and utilizes DNA samples for multiple reasons, such as aiding people in tracing their lineage and identifying potential health issues. Recently filing for bankruptcy, the organization disclosed intentions to liquidate its assets. Considering the delicate customer information managed by 23andMe, Attorney General Coleman is alerting residents of Kentucky about their entitlements under the Kentucky Genetic Information Privacy Act. Under this act, Kentuckians possess the prerogative to terminate their accounts along with associated genetic data and can also demand the disposal of any retained genetic specimens kept by the corporation.
We have regulations in effect that safeguard the rights and personal data of Kentucky residents," stated Attorney General Coleman. "Each resident of Kentucky who engaged in transactions with 23andMe should think about taking appropriate measures to secure their confidential information.
AG Coleman states that customers have the option to remove their account along with all associated personal data by following these procedures:
- Sign in to their 23andMe account on the firm’s webpage.
- Navigate to the "Settings" part of the individual's profile.
- Navigate down to the section titled "23andMe Data" located at the footer of the page.
- Click "View" beside "23andMe Data."
- Download the data: If anyone wants a copy of their genetic data for personal storage, they should choose the option to download it to their device before proceeding.
- Navigate to the "Delete Data" section.
- Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
- The individual will get an email from 23andMe. They must click on the link provided in the message to verify their deletion request.
To ruin the 23andMe testing sample
Authorities state that if an individual has chosen to keep their saliva sample and DNA data with 23andMe, they still have the option to alter this setting. They can make these changes via their account settings under the "Preferences" section.
To withdraw consent for the use of genetic information in studies
AG Coleman states that if an individual had earlier agreed to allow 23andMe and associated researchers to use their genetic information and samples for studies, they can revoke this permission through the "Research and Product Consents" section via the account settings page.
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