How Long Islanders can delete 23andMe data amid company's bankruptcy, according to Attorney General Letitia James

New York Attorney General Letitia James has warned  consumers to delete their 23andMe accounts due to the company's recently declared bankruptcy.

The direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, collects and analyzes people’s genetic code. The company said Sunday it plans to sell its assets amid bankruptcy filings. 

James’ office issued the consumer alert on Tuesday, saying, in a news release, "New Yorkers’ genetic data is sensitive information that must be protected at all costs."

She said the bankruptcy announcement is "concerning" and suggested customers can delete their account and personal information with the company by taking the following steps:

• Log into your 23andMe account on their website.

• Go to the "Settings" section of your profile.

• Scroll to a section labeled "23andMe Data" at the bottom of the page.

• Click "View" next to "23andMe Data."

• Download your data: If you want a copy of your genetic data for personal storage, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding.

• Scroll to the "Delete Data" section.

• Click "Permanently Delete Data."

• Confirm your request: You’ll receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request.

Those who previously opted to have their saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe, but want to change that preference, can do so from your account settings page, under "Preferences."

In addition, if you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data and sample for research, you can withdraw consent from the account settings page, under "Research and Product Consents."

New Yorkers who experience issues deleting their data with 23andMe should contact James’ office by filing a complaint online.

23andMe said its users’ privacy and data are important considerations in any transaction and that buyers will be required to comply with applicable laws for treating customer data.

The company 23andMe said it does not share information with health insurance companies, employers or public databases without users' consent and with law enforcement only if required by a valid legal process, such as a subpoena, The Associated Press reported.

But many experts have expressed concerns regarding the future of customer data, as the U.S. has no federal privacy law and only about 20 states do.