23andMe files for bankruptcy, customers advised to delete DNA data

​California-based genetic testing provider 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and plans to sell its assets following years of financial struggles. 23andMe has been providing direct-to-consumer DNA testing services since November 2007 to customers who send a saliva sample and receive a report on their ancestry and genetic predispositions. Since then, 23andMe has sold over 15 million DNA testing kits. The company said in a Sunday press release that it will not change how it stores, manages, or protects customer data. In a Monday filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it also "filed a motion seeking authorization to pursue a structured sale of their assets pursuant to a competitive auction and sale process," after rejecting a takeover bid from the CEO and co-founder Anne Wojcicki, who has since resigned to enter the sales process as an "independent bidder." "In addition, we are committed to continuing to safeguard customer data and being transparent ab ... Read full article.