MAJOR MUTATION

23andMe Files for Bankruptcy, Fueling Fears for Millions of Customers’ DNA Data

Your genetic history could soon be for sale to the highest bidder.

DNA testing firm 23andMe filed for bankruptcy and announced the resignation of its CEO on Sunday. Anne Wojcicki, the departing chief executive who remains on the company’s board, said in a statement that filing for bankruptcy is “the best path forward to maximize the value of the business.” Over 15 million people have submitted their DNA to the company for testing, making a colossal database of human genetics that could now be sold to the highest bidder in bankruptcy proceedings. “Any buyer will be required to comply with applicable law with respect to the treatment of customer data,” the company, which has previously been infiltrated by hackers, said in a news release. Last week, California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta urged 23andMe users to “delete your data and destroy any samples of genetic material held by the company” after the business “publicly reported that it is in financial distress.” Wojcicki, who co-founded the company in 2006, said she was “disappointed” by the bankruptcy plan and that her previous bid to take private ownership of the company had been rejected. She now seeks to “secure the company’s assets during the restructuring process” so that she can “be in the best position to pursue the company as an independent bidder,” she announced on X.