- 23andMe has faced major privacy concerns after filing for bankruptcy and being reacquired by co-founder Anne Wojcicki for $305 million.
- Around 1.9 million users have already requested deletion of their genetic data due to fears over misuse and potential unauthorized data transfers.
- Users can delete their data through their account settings, but some information may still be retained for legal and compliance purposes.
- Consent for research and sample storage can be revoked, and users are encouraged to talk to family members about taking similar protective steps.
The DNA testing industry has been rocked in recent months, with 23andMe, once a pioneer in consumer genetics, now at the center of growing privacy concerns.
Following its March filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company faced intense scrutiny over its handling of genetic data belonging to more than 15 million users.
On Friday, co-founder Anne Wojcicki announced she had successfully reacquired 23andMe through her nonprofit, TTAM Research Institute, for $305 million, ending a heated bidding war over the company’s assets.
But the acquisition hasn’t calmed nerves. With multiple states now suing the company over alleged improper data transfers, consumers are being urged to take control of their genetic privacy.
According to the company’s interim CEO, about 1.9 million users, roughly 15% of its customer base, have already submitted requests to delete their data from 23andMe’s systems.
Steps to Delete Your 23andMe Data
If you’re one of the millions who’ve shared your DNA with 23andMe and are looking to remove it, here’s what you need to do:
- Log in to your 23andMe account.
- Navigate to the Settings section of your profile.
- Scroll down to the 23andMe Data section.
- Click View, then scroll to Delete Data.
- Select Permanently Delete Data.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to finalize the request.
Before deleting your data, you have the option to download a copy for your personal records.
However, it’s important to note that deletion is not absolute. According to the company’s privacy policy, 23andMe and its associated labs are legally required to retain certain details, including your genetic information, birthdate, and sex, for compliance and regulatory purposes.
The policy also states that 23andMe may store limited account-related data, such as your email address and deletion request ID, for a restricted time to fulfill legal obligations and audit requirements.
Revoking Research and Sample Consent
If you previously agreed to allow 23andMe to store your saliva sample or share your genetic data with researchers, you can still revoke that consent:
- Visit your account’s Settings page.
- Navigate to Preferences to manage your sample storage settings.
- Under Research and Product Consents, you can withdraw permission for your data and sample to be used in research.
However, withdrawing consent does not delete data that has already been shared or used.
Talk to Your Family
Even if you’ve taken steps to delete your data, your genetic privacy may still be at risk. Because genetic data inherently involves family relationships, your relatives’ participation in DNA testing services could reveal information about you.
Please encourage your family and even close friends to review their data-sharing settings and consider deleting their information as well.
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