Want to Remove Your 23andMe Data? Here’s How to Do It

Genetic testing firm 23andMe has officially declared bankruptcy, raising alarms about the future of its extensive DNA database and the privacy of its users. Should the company be acquired, its vast repository of genetic and personal information might be transferred to a new entity—one that customers never agreed to share their sensitive data with.

If you’ve utilized 23andMe’s saliva-testing kits, the company likely holds a considerable amount of your information, including your genetic profile, ancestry details, familial connections, and personal data such as your name, address, email, and payment information. Although 23andMe asserts that genetic data is anonymized and kept separate from personal identifiers, there have been instances in the past where anonymization has failed, leading some users to be concerned about potential privacy threats.

For the time being, 23andMe will maintain its regular operations during the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, allowing customers continued access to their data and the option to delete or restrict their information if they choose.

How to Delete Your Data from 23andMe

If you’re worried about your privacy and wish to remove your data from 23andMe, here’s what you need to do:
Start by logging into your 23andMe account and go to the “Settings” section found in your profile.
Next, scroll down to the “23andMe Data” area and click on “View.”
To ensure security, you will need to verify your age. Provide the necessary information and submit it.
On the following page, you will find options to download your data as well as a button to request account deletion. Click on the deletion button to continue.
You will then receive a confirmation email from 23andMe. Follow the instructions in that email to finalize your account deletion request.

After your request is processed, your account and all related data will be permanently removed from 23andMe’s system. Please note that this action is irreversible.

Important Things Before Deleting Your 23andMe Account

When you delete your 23andMe account, it is a permanent action, meaning your data and profile will be permanently inaccessible. If your account has multiple profiles created by other users, those will also be removed unless they are transferred to a different, active account.

It’s important to note that not all of your information will be completely erased. As stated in 23andMe’s privacy policy, the company retains certain data for an unspecified duration to meet legal requirements. This retained information includes:

– Genetic data
– Date of birth and gender
– Limited account-related information, such as your email address and records of your deletion request

A significant concern is the ambiguity surrounding what specific data is kept. When inquiries were made for clarification, 23andMe did not provide clear information on what is deleted versus what remains in their database.

Altering Your Data Prior to Deletion

Some users have recommended changing account details (like name, date of birth, ethnicity, and gender) before initiating the deletion process. This approach may help obscure retained data, but its effectiveness is uncertain, especially since 23andMe has not confirmed whether the original data from account creation is still stored.

What Happens to Your DNA Sample?

If you chose to keep your genetic sample stored, it will be destroyed during the deletion process. However, any data you agreed to have used in scientific research will remain in previous studies, although it will not be included in any future research endeavors.

If you experience any difficulties during the deletion process, you can reach out to 23andMe support at customercare@23andme.com for assistance.