Popular DNA testing company 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy protection, and CEO Anne Wojcicki has resigned. The company is seeking a buyer under court supervision but plans to continue operations during this process, assuring customers that their data will be protected. The California Attorney General has advised customers to remove their data due to the company’s financial struggles. Founded in 2006, 23andMe never achieved profitability despite its initial success and celebrity endorsements. Recent security breaches compromised the personal information of about 7 million customers. Following a settlement related to these breaches, the company laid off 40% of its workforce. Joe Selsavage, the Treasury Chief, will serve as the interim CEO while Wojcicki stays on the board. Although the company is focused on customer data protection in any potential sale, concerns remain regarding the fate of users’ DNA information, especially in light of previous issues with data safety.
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