23andMe update: Customers have until July 14 to file data breach claims amid Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Here’s how to do it

Some important news for million of 23andMe customers, past and present: the genetic testing company notified customers on Sunday, they now have until July 14 to file potential claims as the company navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to according to TechCrunch.

The DNA testing firm, which filed for bankruptcy in March, along with 11 of its subsidiaries, must pay customers as part of its bankruptcy restructuring process.

FastCompany has reached out to 23andMe for comment.

23andme, which provided DNA analysis to offer insights into ancestry, health traits, and genetic risks filed for Chapter 11 after it rejected acquisition offers and its market value plummeted in the wake of a massive data breach in 2023.

That breach impacted nearly 7 million users by exposing their names, birth years, relationship labels, percentages of DNA shared with relatives, ancestry reports, and self-reported locations, according to TechCrunch. Multiple class action lawsuits followed, as did mass layoffs, staff in-fighting, while its market value plunged from its 2021 peak at $6 billion.

How can I file a 23andMe claim?

There are three ways 23andme customers can file a claim.

If you were a 23andme customer between May 1 and October 1 2023 can file what is known as a Cyber Security Incident Claim if you were also notified by 23andMe that your personal information was compromised in a data breach that was discovered and disclosed by 23andMe in October 2023.

Alternatively, customers who suffered financial or other damages due to that 2023 breach can submit a claim as part of the bankruptcy case.

Finally, customers who have grievances about the DNA test results or the company’s telehealth services, that don’t directly pertain to the breach, can submit a claim using the General Bar Date Package.

If you have more questions about 23andme’s Chapter 11 filing, data privacy, or the deadline to file a proof of claim, view 23andme’s customer support page.

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