23andMe Holding Co

ME

Market cap $16.3M

The bankruptcy of 23andMe Holding Co. has thrust the issue of data privacy firmly into the spotlight as the DNA testing company looks to sell its most valuable asset: a vast trove of customers' genetic data.

The announcement that 23andMe is filing for bankruptcy and has put its genetic genealogy database up for sale has sent its customers into a bit of a privacy tizzy. On March 21, California Attorney General Bob Bonta issued a consumer alert with detailed instructions about how to delete one's data.

23andMe (NASDAQ:ME) shares rebounded more than 60% on Thursday after a US judge confirmed the genetic testing company is allowed to sell customer data as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. This data, including medical and ancestry-related information from more than 15 million customers, is considered one of the company's most valuable assets.

Over the past decade, 23andMe has collected genetic data from millions of people—and now that the company has filed for bankruptcy, that information could be sold to the highest bidder, a Northeastern University data scientist warns.

23andMe has proposed a May 14 auction for the sale of its assets, which include the genetic data of more than 15 million customers. The sale of genetic data raises concerns about privacy and safety, and customers are worried about what this means for their personal information.

23andMe cofounder Linda Avey discussed the company in a LinkedIn post on Wednesday. Avey said the biotech company "lost its way" without product development and "proper governance.

Receives Court Approval for First Day Motions to Support Ongoing Business Operations Receives Court Approval for First Day Motions to Support Ongoing Business Operations

23andMe co-founder Linda Avey took to social media with harsh criticism of CEO Anne Wojcicki after the company's bankruptcy filing this week. Avey, Wojcicki and Paul Cusenza launched 23andMe in 2006.

BOSTON, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DeleteMe, a leading online privacy service, is offering vital assistance to individuals concerned about their personal data remaining on 23andMe's platform as the company faces financial challenges. With news that 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, DeleteMe is stepping in to ensure users can quickly and effectively remove their sensitive genetic data from the service.

Theresa Payton, Fortalice Solutions CEO and former White House chief information officer, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the fallout from 23andMe's bankruptcy filing, why users should delete their data from the website, the Trump administration's use of Signal to discuss military plans, and more.