welcome
vancouversun

vancouversun

Entertainment

Entertainment

Does bankrupt 23andMe have your genetic data? Delete it, B.C. experts warn

vancouversun
Summary
Nutrition label

70% Informative

U.S. genetic testing giant 23andMe filed for bankruptcy last week .

The Silicon Valley -based company is seeking to sell “substantially all of its assets” through a court-approved reorganization.

B.C. ’s privacy watchdog is sounding the alarm: British Columbians ’ genetic data could be for sale.

The company pioneered DNA testing using saliva samples from customers.

The Privacy Commissioner of Canada ’s office has said it is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with the company. A spokesperson, Vito Pilieci , said Canada ’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act applies regardless of the company’s ownership. Under the law, individuals have the right to withdraw consent for the use of their personal information, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice. In some cases, this may require the company to delete the data. 23andMe will continue to operate during the sale process. — With files from The Canadian Press .