Theguardian California Secures $6M Settlement from 23andMe Over Data Breach
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- •California secures a $6 million settlement from 23andMe's successor over a data breach.
- •The 2023 breach exposed genetic data of 6.9 million customers, including 855,000 Californians.
- •Affected customers can request deletion of their genetic data despite the company's bankruptcy.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a $6 million settlement with Chrome Holding Co., formerly 23andMe, resolving claims related to a 2023 data breach that exposed personal and genetic information of 6.9 million customers, including over 855,000 Californians. The breach prompted an investigation by the DOJ, which found that 23andMe failed to adequately protect customer data. The settlement also addresses the state's objections to the sale of customer genetic data during 23andMe's bankruptcy proceedings. Affected customers retain the right to delete their genetic data. 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March 2025, following a decline in demand and legal issues stemming from the breach. The state had previously attempted to block the sale of 23andMe's assets, arguing it violated California’s Genetic Information Privacy Act. The settlement resolves the state's appeal against the sale and allows customers to delete their data regardless of ownership.
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