23andMe Files for Bankruptcy Following Data Breach Fallout

Genetic testing company 23andMe has officially filed for bankruptcy after years of struggling to recover from a major 2023 data breach and declining demand for its DNA testing kits.

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Founded in 2006, 23andMe revolutionized the industry with at-home saliva-based genetic testing, helping millions trace their ancestry and health markers. The company even landed on Oprah Winfrey’s Favourite Things list in 2015.

What Went Wrong?

🔍 2023 Data Breach – Hackers exposed the personal data of nearly 7 million customers, shaking trust in the company.
💰 $30M Settlement – Legal troubles followed, adding financial strain.
📉 Falling Demand – Interest in DNA testing has cooled, leading to mass layoffs and project cancellations.

The company laid off 200 employees last year and halted all therapy developments.

With bankruptcy now official, it’s uncertain what’s next for 23andMe—but its DNA-testing era may be coming to an end.