FRANKFORT, Ky. (WSAZ) — Attorney General Russell Coleman released a consumer advisory and urged residents of Kentucky to safeguard their genetic information after news broke about the potential bankruptcy of 23andMe.
The California-headquartered 23andMe gathers and examines individuals' genetic information and utilizes DNA samples for multiple reasons, such as assisting people in tracing their lineage and identifying potential health issues. Recently filing for bankruptcy, the firm disclosed intentions to put up its assets for sale.
We have regulations established to uphold the rights and privacy of Kentucky residents," stated Attorney General Coleman. "All individuals in Kentucky who engaged with 23andMe ought to think about taking appropriate measures to secure their confidential data.
Users have the option to remove their account along with their personal data by adhering to these procedures:
- Sign in to your 23andMe account through their webpage.
- Navigate to the "Settings" area of your profile.
- Navigate down to the section titled "23andMe Data" located at the base of the page.
- Click "View" beside "23andMe Data."
- If you desire a copy of your genetic information for individual safekeeping, select the choice to download it onto your device prior to continuing.
- Navigate down to the "Delete Data" section.
- Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
- You will get an email from 23andMe; click on the link provided in the email to confirm your deletion request.
How to Ruin Your 23andMe Test Sample: If you initially chose to keep your saliva sample and DNA stored with 23andMe but now wish to alter this setting, you may modify it through the "Preferences" section on your account settings page.
To Withdraw Consent for Using Your Genetic Information in Research: If you initially agreed to let 23andMe and external researchers use your genetic information and samples for studies, you can revoke this permission through the "Research and Product Consents" section on the account settings page.
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