RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Attorney General Jason Miyares is urging Virginians who have sent their genetic data to 23andMe to know their right to demand its deletion after the company filed for bankruptcy and announced its intention to sell its assets. 23andMe, a genetic testing company that collects and analyzes customers' genetic information, announced that it filed for bankruptcy in a press release on Sunday, March 23. According to the release, the company intends to "commence a process to sell substantially all of its assets" while continuing to operate “in the ordinary course throughout the sale process.” The company said there are no planned changes to how 23andMe stores, manages or protects customer data. Following the bankruptcy filing, Miyares has urged Virginians to understand their rights regarding genetic data. “Virginians who have sent their genetic data to 23andMe have the right under Virginia law to demand its deletion and destruction,” Miyares said. “I urge all 23andMe customers in Virginia to understand their rights to make decisions regarding their personal genetic data. My office will vigorously enforce Virginia’s genetic data privacy law to safeguard the rights and privacy of every Virginian.” In 2023, Virginia passed a genetic data privacy law that gives Virginians rights regarding the genetic data that they give to direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies like 23andMe. "These companies are required to honor a consumer’s request to delete the consumer’s genetic data and to destroy the consumer’s biological sample within 30 days of receiving such a request," Miyares' office said. Those looking to delete their 23andMe account and personal information can do so by logging in, visiting account settings and then selecting "permanently delete data." Customers can also access their accounts to opt out of having their saliva sample and DNA stored by the company and to withdraw consent for their data to be used for research.  ...read more read less