DNA-testing company 23andMe has been granted permission to sell its customers’ genetic data to other companies despite filing for bankruptcy. The U.S. bankruptcy judge allowed the company to proceed with selling its medical and ancestry data, citing it as its most valuable asset. Investors believe the sensitive information of 23andMe’s 15 million customers is worth a significant amount.
The company claims its security measures surrounding customer data will remain in place but acknowledges that its privacy policy allows for changes at any time. Customers can delete their genetic and ancestral data through 23andMe’s platform, but it remains unclear how the company’s new ownership will impact data protection.
A final hearing to determine the sale of customer data will be held in June, with offers due on May 7. The move comes as investors seek to capitalize on the valuable information stored by the company. However, concerns remain about the potential changes to the company’s security measures and how they may affect customers’ data protection.
Source: https://fortune.com/2025/03/28/23andme-bankruptcy-chapter-11-genetic-data-medical-ancestry-dna-silicon-valley-delete