Recent events have caused major changes at 23andMe, a popular DNA testing service, raising concerns for its 15 million customers. Following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, co-founder Anne Wojcicki managed to regain control of the company through her nonprofit TTAM Research Institute for $305 million, ending a bidding war. This upheaval has shaken the genetic testing industry and sparked worries among privacy advocates, with many customers opting to delete their genetic data from the company’s servers.
Amidst the turmoil, over two dozen states have filed lawsuits challenging the sale of customers’ private data, highlighting the need for explicit consent in such transactions. While complete deletion of genetic data may not be possible due to legal obligations, customers can take steps to minimize their exposure and protect their privacy.
How to remove your 23andMe data
To delete your data from 23andMe, log in to your account and follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Settings section of your profile.
- Scroll down to 23andMe Data.
- Click View and then Delete Data.
- Select Permanently Delete Data.
Upon requesting deletion, you’ll receive an email confirmation from 23andMe. You can also download a copy of your data before deletion. Keep in mind that some information may be retained as required by law.
How to dispose of your 23andMe test sample and withdraw research consent
If your saliva sample and DNA are stored by 23andMe, you can change this setting in your account preferences. Similarly, you can withdraw consent for research use in the Research and Product Consents section. While you can revoke consent, the data may still be retained by the company.
Inform your family members
After deleting your data, advise your family members to do the same to safeguard their genetic information. It’s crucial to ensure everyone takes steps to protect their privacy, including friends and loved ones. Stay informed and proactive in managing your genetic data security.
This article was originally published on March 25 and updated on June 11 with the latest developments.
