**23andMe Looks for Buyer Following Bankruptcy Declaration After Data Breach Consequences**
In the wake of a **significant data breach** and a multitude of **legal actions**, consumer genetics firm **23andMe** has initiated a **Chapter 11 bankruptcy** and is currently on the lookout for a purchaser. Available for acquisition are the company’s operations, brand, and the **DNA data of over 15 million individuals**.
### **A Challenging Year for 23andMe**
The bankruptcy petition, filed on **March 23**, follows several months of upheaval resulting from an **October 2023 cyber incident** that compromised the **personal and genetic information** of at least **7 million users**. This breach triggered **more than 50 class action and state court lawsuits**, with complainants asserting that 23andMe did not adequately safeguard its users’ most sensitive data.
Now, in a bid to **address its legal and financial issues**, the company has opted for **Chapter 11 bankruptcy**, which also paves the way for a potential sale. **Court records** indicate that 23andMe has outstanding debts to **pharmaceutical firms, health insurance providers, AI startups, advertising agencies, and drugstores**.
At the same time, **California Attorney General Rob Bonta** has called on 23andMe users to take measures. In a statement released last Friday, he cautioned:
> **”In light of 23andMe’s reported financial troubles, I urge Californians to consider exercising their rights and instructing 23andMe to remove their data and eliminate any genetic material samples held by the company.”**
### **How to Erase Your 23andMe Data**
With 23andMe now for sale, it remains uncertain who may take over the company—or how they might utilize its extensive genetic database. Although 23andMe has consistently asserted its commitment to **data privacy**, it has also **collaborated with pharmaceutical firms** and faced a **significant security breach**.
If you are contemplating the deletion of your data prior to a potential new owner taking charge, you can do so via the **23andMe app**:
1. Go to the **“23andMe Data”** section.
2. Click **“View,”** then select **“23andMe Data.”**
3. Opt for **“Permanently Delete Data.”**
However, an intriguing note is displayed on the deletion page. **23andMe assures users** that if ownership transitions, their data will remain protected under the current **Privacy Policy**—unless new terms are established, in which case users will get **prior notification**.
In other words, your data is confidential—**until it isn’t**.