Attorney general warns Kentuckians to protect DNA data amid 23andMe bankruptcy

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentuckians are encouraged to delete data on 23andMe after the company's bankruptcy announcement.

Attorney general Russell Coleman issued a consumer alert to Kentuckians to protect their genetic data. 23andMe collects and analyzes people's genetic code and uses DNA samples for a variety of purposes, according to a news release. It helped people trace their ancestry and detect personal health risks.

23andMe, based in California, filed for bankruptcy last month. It plans to sell its assets.

Coleman reminded Kentuckians of their rights under the Kentucky Genetic Information Privacy Act. People have the right to delete the consumer's account and genetic data and the right to request and obtain the destruction of any samples of genetic material held by the company.

"We have laws in place that protect Kentuckians’ rights and their personal information," Coleman said in a news release. "Every Kentuckian who did business with 23andMe should consider taking the proper steps to safeguard their sensitive information."

According to a news release, these are the steps consumers can take to delete their account and personal information:

Log into your 23andMe account on their website.
Go to the “Settings” section of your profile.
Scroll to a section labeled “23andMe Data” at the bottom of the page.
Click “View” next to “23andMe Data.”
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.
Scroll to the “Delete Data” section.
Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
Confirm your request: You’ll receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request.

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