How to Delete Your 23andMe Data
Introduction
23andMe is one of the most popular DNA tests available. Many people enjoy discovering their ancestry, traits, and health markers through its reports. However, 23andMe’s recent financial problems—where it filed for bankruptcy—have raised data privacy concerns. Users worry that the company might share or sell their account data if it changes hands.
Your genetic details stay unique and cannot get replaced if you expose them. This is why many 23andMe users want to delete their data to protect their privacy. Even California Attorney General Rob Bonta has highlighted risks related to the use of genetic information by companies.
This guide will show you how to delete your 23andMe account and remove your personal details. We will cover why you might want to request data deletion, the exact steps involved, and what data might still remain. You will also learn about extra tips for staying safe, as well as key insights from our internal survey.
Why Consider Removing Your Data
Genetic data is personal and sensitive. If a company faces data privacy concerns or goes bankrupt, it may expose your information. Many 23andMe users have voiced worries that ownership changes might compromise their genetic details. When you delete your 23andMe account, you can reduce the chance of unwanted data sharing.
Another issue is that 23andMe sometimes partners with outside researchers. That can lead to further data collection, especially if you consented to research programs. Once you share data with another party, you find it difficult to take it back. Hackers also target popular genetic testing companies in the hope of stealing large databases.
By removing your account data, you show that you do not agree to keep your genetic information in their system. Your DNA is unchangeable, so leaks have permanent effects.
23andMe has legal duties to protect customer information. However, the best way to stay safe is to ask for data deletion. A simple move can give you long-term peace of mind.
Key Steps to Delete Your 23andMe Data
Log In to Your Account
Sign in to your 23andMe account. Look for the “Settings” or “Account Settings” section in your dashboard. This is where you manage personal preferences, see your reports, and control data options.
Review and Download Your Data
Before you begin data deletion, you might want to save any ancestry or health reports you value. If you do not download them now, you cannot recover them later. Store them securely on your own device or cloud service.
Request Data Deletion
Within your account settings, find the option labeled “Delete Your Data” or “Permanently Delete Account.” Follow the prompts. Confirm that you understand this action is final. This process tells 23andMe you want them to erase your account data from their servers.
Check Your Email Address
You will receive a confirmation message at the email address linked to your account. Click the link inside that email to confirm your request. This step is crucial. If you skip it, your data will remain.
Ask to Destroy Your Physical Sample
If 23andMe still has your saliva sample, request that they destroy it. This completes your data deletion. If your sample remains in storage, your genetic information may still be accessible.
These steps remove most of your account data from 23andMe’s active systems. However, some details may linger due to legal or operational requirements.
What Data May Still Be Retained
Even after you delete your 23andMe account, the company may keep limited records. For example, they could store your email address, date of birth, or logs of your request data deletion. They follow legal rules and document your request to remove your data.
If 23andMe shared your data with research partners before you deleted your account, that data may still be with them. Once the company shares data outside the original database, it has less control over it. Completed research projects also cannot erase information already used in their findings.
23andMe’s privacy policy outlines these details. Read it closely to learn more about how the company manages and stores data. If you have more questions, contact their support team. You can also check the official guidelines from Attorney General Rob Bonta or other data privacy authorities.
Additional Privacy Measures
Removing your 23andMe account is just one step. You can do more to protect your genetic information from future risks:
Revoke Research Consent: If you opted into any research studies, try rescinding that permission. This move may limit how you use your data going forward.
Use Private Networks: Log in and manage data only on devices and networks you trust. Public Wi-Fi leaves you open to hackers.
Scrub Personal Details: Some users change their displayed name or remove birth information before they initiate deletion. This might help reduce how much data remains after your request.
Stay Alert: Watch the news for data breaches or updates about DNA tests. Companies sometimes reveal security issues that may affect your stored data.
Check State Laws: Each region has different data privacy laws. Knowing your rights helps you take legal steps if you suspect misuse.
Protecting Your Genetic Privacy Beyond 23andMe
Many 23andMe users still want to explore DNA tests but also worry about data privacy concerns. If you move to a different genetic testing company, research their data policies first. Look for clear statements on how they handle account data and if they share data with other groups.
Try to pick a provider that focuses on privacy and has fewer reports of data breaches. Some companies promise never to share your data without an explicit request. Others store minimal details to reduce the risk of hacking.
You can also keep your raw DNA file offline, like on a secure flash drive. This extra step prevents unauthorized access through online servers. Whether you stay with 23andMe or switch companies, remember that protecting your unique genetic code is an ongoing responsibility.
What Our Internal Survey Says
We did a survey of 1,123 people to learn which DNA tests they prefer and why. Among them, 387 had used 23andMe.
In our analysis, about 62% were satisfied with the service. However, only 53.5% said they would recommend 23andMe. Data privacy concerns were the main reason behind the lower recommendation rate.
Many participants worried about how 23andMe might share data. Their concerns grew after news that the company filed for bankruptcy. Respondents felt unsure about how well 23andMe could protect personal details or prevent future data breaches. Some 23andMe users appreciated the health and trait reports, but they hesitated to maintain their accounts.
In fact, many people stressed the importance of having clear ways to manage personal details in their 23andMe account. They liked that 23andMe lets users delete their data if they ask. However, they noted that some data might not fully disappear if someone shared it before.
These attitudes show that privacy is crucial for many consumers. They want a company that respects their right to control account data and does not ignore data privacy concerns. For them, the option to request data deletion is essential.
Legal and Consumer Rights
Data privacy in the United States is governed by federal and state laws. At the federal level, rules like HIPAA apply to certain health data. But they might not cover all aspects of genetic testing.
In California, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) gives consumers more control over their personal information. California Attorney General Rob often takes action against companies that fail to protect user data.
If you think 23andMe or any genetic testing company has violated your rights, you can file a complaint. You can contact California Attorney General Rob Bonta or the equivalent office in your state. They can investigate if a company mishandled personal data or did not follow proper steps. Some states even allow individuals to file civil lawsuits if someone used their data without permission.
Knowing your rights is vital. If you suspect wrongdoing, contact state regulators. Consumer advocacy groups can also guide you on how to file a formal report. Stay informed about changing laws that might strengthen your legal protections.
Conclusion
Deleting your 23andMe data lowers the risks of data breaches or misuse. This is important, especially now when the company’s future is uncertain. By following the steps above, you have better control over your genetic information.
Although 23andMe may keep some details for legal reasons, removing the core of your genetic profile still helps. It limits how others can use or share your DNA without your consent.
Stay alert, practice good digital habits, and know your legal rights. Your genetic privacy matters.
Want to protect your 23andMe account data right now? Log in, head to your account settings, and request data deletion today. If you have more questions, consult official resources or reach out to legal experts. Take charge of your genetic privacy.
