23andMe is bankrupt. Should you worry about your DNA data?

Experts suggest you should take action now, if you have concerns.

- BY ALAINA YEE

After a spate of woes that include a major data breach and hefty cut to its workforce, genetics testing company 23andMe recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Its search for a buyer instantly raised a question, given the sensitive nature of the data it holds—what’s to become of user data if the company is sold?

Privacy experts are wary of what comes next, as outlined by news reports from NPR (fave.co/3Rcop5G) and ABC (fave.co/4jqFtAO). You can break down the concerns like this:

• Your data will likely be part of what is sold to a new buyer.

• When transferred, a new privacy policy could take effect.

• Those changes could lower the amount of privacy you're entitled to—for example, it could be sold to third-party companies.