Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action to protect Texans’ personal data as the genetic testing company 23andMe files for bankruptcy.
Paxton filed a motion in Missouri requesting the appointment of a Consumer Privacy specialist to oversee the handling of sensitive consumer information during 23andMe’s bankruptcy proceedings. The company, known for offering genetic testing kits, is reportedly seeking to sell “unspecified” assets, which may include their huge archives of private personal data and health records. Now, the bankruptcy scenario has sparked some alarm among state officials.
“The importance of safeguarding Texans’ genetic data and preserving their privacy rights cannot be overstated,” Paxton said in an April 21 press release.
“We have robust state privacy laws that include data deletion rights, and I would encourage any Texan concerned about their data to exercise the right to have their data securely deleted. I will continue to stand up for Texans’ privacy rights, which is why I’m fighting to have a Consumer Privacy Ombudsman appointed in this case,” he added.
Texas law currently provides consumers the right to request the deletion of personal and genetic data under the Texas Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Act and the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act. These protections include the right to revoke consent for one’s personal data to be used in outside research and the ability to request the destruction of past genetic samples.
Paxton’s office urges Texans who have used 23andMe’s services to visit the company’s website, where users can download their data, request deletion, and revoke research permissions. The Attorney General also encouraged anyone facing issues or delays in exercising these rights to file a complaint through the Office of the Attorney General’s website.
Founded in 2006, 23andMe gained popularity for its at-home DNA kits, which offer ancestry breakdowns and genetic health reports. However, the company has come under scrutiny in recent years for security breaches and its mishandling of user data.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, a data breach in 2024 affected nearly 7 million users, adding fuel to the fire of concerns over how the company manages its sensitive archives.
For now, Paxton’s office is closely monitoring the bankruptcy proceedings, and the Attorney General vows continued legal action to protect Texans’ genetic privacy.