DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has issued a warning that your genetic data may soon be at risk if you ever used 23andMe.

The company recently filed for bankruptcy, announcing that a large number of its assets will be sold off, according to the release from Bird’s office. These sales mean that some companies could purchase or receive data that was collected by 23andMe.

“As 23AndMe goes bankrupt, Iowans should know how to keep their DNA off the market,” said Attorney General Bird. “Iowans have the ability to download and delete their data, destroy their test samples, and revoke permission for their data to be used for research. The power is in Iowans’ hands to keep their unique and valuable genetic information safe.”

You can request that your data be deleted by going to their website. They also recommend that you access your 23andMe account and revoke permissions allowing your data be used for search, request your samples be destroyed, and your data be permanently deleted.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a similar warning in March.

You can find the step-by-step guide to avoid risk provided by Bird’s office below.

To Delete Your 23andMe Data:

• File a request to delete your 23andMe account here: https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/212170688-Requesting-23andMe-Account-Closure.

To Download Your 23andMe Data Before Deletion: 

1. Log into your 23andMe account on the company website.
2. Go to the “Settings” section of your profile.
3. Scroll to a section labeled “23andMe Data” at the bottom of the page.
4. Click “View” next to “23andMe Data.”
5. Download your data: If you want a copy of your genetic data for personal storage, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding.
6. Delete Data at the very bottom of the page where it says, “Permanently Delete Data.”

To Destroy Your 23andMe Test Sample:

• Iowans who chose to let 23andMe store their saliva sample and DNA but have since changed their mind can switch their preference on the account settings page under “Preferences.”
• Click “Edit”
• Scroll down to the “Sample Storage” section and click “Permanently discard samples”

To Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used for Research:

• Iowans who previously allowed 23andMe and third-party researchers to use their genetic data and sample for research may withdraw their consent on the account settings page, under “Research and Product Consents.”
• Click “Edit”
• Click “change consent” and scroll down to bottom of the page and check boxes to either give consent or to not give consent. Then submit your selection.

If you have any other questions, the AG’s office suggests contacting them at 1-888-777-4590 or filing a complaint on their website.

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