Introduction
Many people in the United States use 23andMe to learn about their DNA. They often seek information about their ancestry or health risks.
Over time, concerns have grown about 23andMe customers. They worry about a possible data breach. This could include unauthorized access to addresses, billing records, or even genetic information. These fears have circulated on social media, where users warn others about criminals potentially gaining access to private accounts.
Although 23andMe offers engaging tools and resources, you might decide it is too risky to keep your profile active. Before you delete your account, gather all important information stored there. This includes raw DNA data, health analyses, and ancestry details. Once the company removes your profile, you cannot retrieve anything you neglected to save.
Why This Matters
Your 23andMe account may hold far more than your name and credit card details. It can hold genetic information about your genome. This includes simple traits and specific genetic variants related to health.
If someone misuses your information, you lose control of a key part of your identity. This can happen if they test your background using your profile or sell your details on hidden forums.
Some genealogists compare these profiles with census data to investigate broader family histories. If a data breach occurs, someone could match personal identifiers to a comprehensive genealogical record. This leakage jeopardizes not only your privacy but that of your relatives as well.
Genetic tests reveal indicators about ancestry, wellness, or disease risk. When someone gets these indicators into the wrong hands, they can exploit them in unpredictable ways. A future company buyout or change in ownership may bring challenges. This is especially true if new managers choose to use existing data in new ways.
Data Available for Download
Before you decide to delete your account, confirm which data available for download matters to you. Below are the primary categories:
Raw DNA Data
Your entire genetic code consists of positions labeled with A, T, G, or C. This file underpins 23andMe’s ancestry and health findings. Without it, you cannot upload your genetic data to other services or continue your own research elsewhere.
Ancestry and Trait Reports
These materials detail regional origins, such as whether your family hails from Northern Europe or East Asia. They also cover traits like whether you can smell certain compounds or metabolize certain foods differently.
Health and Carrier Status Reports
Many people use 23andMe to learn about their predisposition to diseases like Type 2 diabetes or certain inherited conditions. These reports can include important information for future physician visits.
Survey Responses
23andMe occasionally collects lifestyle details, including exercise routines or dietary habits. They might also ask about personal or familial medical backgrounds for internal research.
Account and Payment Records
You might have stored your credit card details for kit purchases or subscription renewals. Tracking this information can be valuable, especially if you need proof of payment or want to cancel future charges.
How to Download Your Data
If you decide you want to preserve your 23andMe materials, follow these steps for how to download your data:
Log In and Go to Account Settings
Access your profile on 23andMe’s website. Then locate “Account Settings” or a similar section labeled “Manage Data.”
Choose the Relevant Files
You should see a list of downloads, including ancestry summaries, raw DNA data, health reports, and personal details. Check each box that aligns with what you want to keep.
Submit the Download Request
After choosing your files, click “Confirm” or “Download.” You might have to re-enter your password to authorize the request.
Receive an Email Including Information
In many instances, 23andMe will email you links to your files. Certain archives might require more time to compile, so monitor your inbox, including your spam folder.
Verify Your Files
Once you obtain the download, open or unzip the folder. Ensure your ancestry PDFs are readable, and confirm the raw data file contains large text blocks with markers like “rsID” and “chromosome.” Without verification, you risk deleting your account before realizing a file was incomplete.
Securing Raw DNA Data and Personal Information
After you successfully download your raw data and other genetic information, store it securely. Use encrypted hard drives or password-protected cloud services. Avoid posting sensitive materials on social media. Strangers might use them for unauthorized lineage testing or other questionable reasons.
If you decide to share data with third parties for genomic research, review their privacy policies. Some entities respect confidentiality and destroy data upon request, while others hold it indefinitely. You should make sure that any group collecting census data or family records will not share your information. They should not share it with people you do not know.
Reasons to Permanently Delete Data
Many customers choose to permanently delete data after weighing the risks:
- Potential Data Breaches: If hackers infiltrate 23andMe, they could sell or leak user profiles.
- Corporate Uncertainty: If a company goes bankrupt or someone buys it, the company may sell stored data as an asset.
- Future Privacy Concerns: New owners may introduce expanded data-sharing policies or revise existing privacy terms.
- Desire for Personal Control: Some people prefer to keep important records offline or on a secure device. This helps reduce reliance on companies.
Consumer Alert by California Attorney General Rob Bont
California Attorney General Rob Bont released a consumer alert that advises caution when sharing genetic data with private companies. He shared concerns about 23andMe customers. They may not know how vulnerable their genetic profiles are in a significant data breach.
Attorney General Bont highlighted the serious issue of losing control over personal identifiers. These identifiers can connect a person's health information to census data or other public records. He recommended that users consider deleting their accounts if they do not trust 23andMe’s security measures.
Conclusion
Your genetic code is immensely personal, and trusting any third party with that data demands careful thought. If you feel that 23andMe’s safeguards are insufficient—or if you simply want more autonomy—you can remove your profile. Before you take that final step, make sure to download all important information you want to keep. This includes raw DNA data and detailed ancestry or health reports.
Log in to 23andMe now and follow the outlined steps to retrieve your genetic data. Confirm that you have everything you need and store your files in a secure location. After verifying your archives, decide whether to maintain or delete your account. By acting with caution, you protect your privacy while preserving the specific genetic insights you find most valuable.
