Privacy Concerns Surge as 23andMe Declares Bankruptcy

Due to rising privacy concerns, New York Attorney General Letitia James advised 23andMe customers to secure their data. The company recently filed for bankruptcy amidst declining demand. Users are deleting accounts over data management fears, and shares have drastically decreased. Concerns persist over the future handling of genetic data.

In response to growing privacy concerns, New York Attorney General Letitia James urged 23andMe customers to protect their genetic data following the DNA testing company's bankruptcy filing. The firm has faced reduced demand and rising anxiety over potential data mishandling by future owners.

As a result, customers began deleting their accounts as a precaution, causing the company's shares to plummet. Despite these efforts, concerns remain over how 23andMe's genetic data will be managed, especially with its vast database considered a 'digital goldmine' by experts.

While 23andMe assures that its current privacy policy will stay intact, legal experts highlight the ambiguity regarding data protection by any new owner. This situation underscores the broader need for robust data protection laws, particularly for sensitive genetic information.

(With inputs from agencies.)