23andMe, the best-known consumer DNA testing company, recently announced that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Although the company has suffered a financial blow from this shutdown, the company will keep operating as usual so that users can still use their profiles and other services. The announcement came from Anne Wojcicki, CEO and co-founder of 23andMe, who remains optimistic about the company's future despite facing significant challenges. The social media giant has been grappling with privacy and security matters, most notably a series of data breaches in the last two years.
Privacy Issues and Data Breaches
Still, 23andMe has had a string of privacy and security challenges. These problems have arisen from several significant data breaches that exposed user data. The company's ability to handle sensitive genetic data has been questioned, raising concerns among users about their personal information's safety. While acknowledging these difficulties, Anne Wojcicki was adamant about her intention to surmount them.
"We have had many successes but I equally take accountability for the challenges we have today. There is no doubt that the challenges faced by 23andMe through an evolving business model have been real, but my belief in the company and its future is unwavering." – Anne Wojcicki
Continued Operations and User Access
23andMe assures consumers the bankruptcy filing won’t impact the company’s ability to continue providing its services. Users can still download an app, build a profile with the app, mail in a saliva sample, and view their DNA data. The process is still very simple, with just a saliva sample needed in order to perform genetic tests. The predictive service retails for $199, offering users a comprehensive look into their DNA to gain insights. Even during the reorganization, the business operations continue without interruption—which means it’s business as usual for current users and new users coming in.
Future Prospects and User Options
Though navigating its financial challenges, 23andMe is still looking optimistically toward the future. The focus now for the company is how to steer through its business model evolution growing pains. There should be an option for users to delete their accounts after being allowed to download their data if they do feel such concerns for their privacy. This alternative protects the public’s interest by allowing people to continue to control how their genetic data is used.
