HARRISBURG, PA — A coalition of 28 Attorneys General, led by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, has filed a lawsuit to prevent the sale of sensitive consumer genetic data by 23andMe following the company’s recent bankruptcy filing.
The lawsuit, filed in federal bankruptcy court on June 9, seeks to block the auction of genetic and health data collected from millions of consumers, arguing that individuals were not adequately informed or consented to such a sale. Pennsylvania joins other states in pushing back against what they describe as a violation of consumer trust and privacy.
“The millions of consumers — including many Pennsylvanians — who paid for these services certainly did not expect their sensitive data to one day be sold off to a highest bidder,” said Attorney General Sunday. “23andMe is trying to avoid their legal obligations to consumers simply by labeling this sale and transfer of consumer data as a ‘change of ownership.’”
23andMe, a popular DNA testing company, filed for bankruptcy and is attempting to sell its assets, including personal genetic data, as part of the liquidation process. Attorney General Sunday emphasized the deeply personal nature of this information, which includes DNA profiles, health traits, and medical records, and criticized its treatment as mere property to be auctioned.
The coalition contends that the sale of such sensitive data should only proceed with informed consumer consent. Without these assurances, the lawsuit aims to either prevent the sale entirely or ensure stricter measures are in place to protect consumer information against misuse or exposure to potential breaches.
Attorney General Sunday also reminded Pennsylvania residents of the option to delete their data from 23andMe’s database and noted the July 14, 2025, deadline to file proofs of claim in the bankruptcy case.
Impacted consumers can file a proof of claim online and find more details about the 23andMe bankruptcy here: https://restructuring.ra.kroll.com/23andMe/Home-Index.
Consumers affected by the 23andMe bankruptcy can also submit a complaint to the Bureau of Consumer Protection online or call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555.
States joining Pennsylvania in the legal action include Arizona, Colorado, New York, Virginia, Washington, and 23 other jurisdictions. The case highlights national concerns over the handling of genetic and health data, particularly as data breaches and misuse become increasingly prevalent.
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