On how to delete 23andMe Data, let’s understand what it is first. 23andMe has become a household name for genetic testing, offering insights into ancestry, health risks, and even potential relatives. While this sounds fascinating, many users are now reconsidering whether they should trust a company with their most personal data—their DNA.
Concerns about privacy, security, and data sharing have grown significantly, especially after the 23andMe scandal that saw user data leaked online. If you’re worried about your data safety and thinking about deleting your 23andMe genetic data, you’re not alone. New York State Attorney General Letitia James issued a Consumer Alert advising people to delete their data on 23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company.
This guide will walk you through the process, explain what happens after deletion, and help you protect your privacy.
How to Delete 23andMe Data (Step-by-Step Guide)
Deleting your data from 23andMe isn’t as simple as pressing a “delete” button. But don’t worry, we will walk you through the entire process.
Step 1: Log in to Your 23andMe Account
- Go to www.23andme.com and sign in.
- Click on your profile icon (top right corner) and select “Settings.”
Step 2: Find the Privacy and Data Settings
- Scroll down to the section labeled “Privacy & Data”.
- Click on “Manage Your Data” to see your options.
Step 3: Request Account and Data Deletion
- Look for the “Delete Your Data” option.
- Click “Request Data Deletion” and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Confirm your decision.
Step 4: Check for Confirmation Email
- You will get an email confirming that your request has been received.
- It may take anywhere from 30 to 90 days for the data to be completely erased from their system.
💡 Important: If you previously agreed to share your data with research partners, any data already shared cannot be retrieved.
What Kind of Data Does 23andMe Collect?
When you send your DNA sample to 23andMe, you’re giving them access to a wealth of personal information, including:
✅ Your genetic profile (including health markers and ancestry)
✅ Personal details like your name and email
✅ Family connections and potential relatives
✅ Your responses to surveys about health and lifestyle
The company uses this data for scientific research, marketing, and partnerships with pharmaceutical companies. While they claim to keep everything anonymous, many users are uncomfortable with their information being used in ways they never expected.
The 23andMe Scandal – Why Privacy Matters
One of the biggest concerns around 23andMe is how secure your genetic data is.
🔴 In 2023, the company suffered a massive data breach, exposing the private genetic information of millions of users. This led to a wave of criticism, lawsuits, and general distrust.
🔴 Even before the breach, privacy experts warned that 23andMe shares anonymized data with third parties, including pharmaceutical companies and researchers. While they claim this data cannot be traced back to individuals, it’s still unsettling.
🔴 Law enforcement agencies have also used genetic databases to track down criminals—sometimes with and sometimes without permission from the users involved.
If any of this makes you uneasy, deleting your 23andMe data is a smart move.
What Happens After You Delete Your 23andMe Data?
✅ Your genetic data is removed from their database.
✅ Your DNA sample (if stored) is destroyed upon request.
✅ Any future participation in research is canceled.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
🔸 If your data was already shared with third-party research partners, 23andMe cannot delete it from their systems.
🔸 If law enforcement has already accessed your data, deleting it won’t undo that.
🔸 Once deleted, your data cannot be recovered, so be 100% sure before confirming.
Alternative Ways to Protect Your Genetic Data
If you’re not ready to fully delete your 23andMe genetic data, but you still want to increase privacy, here are some steps you can take:
✅ Opt out of research participation in your account settings.
✅ Use a fake name when registering your kit (this won’t affect your results).
✅ Avoid answering surveys that collect extra personal information.
✅ Regularly check your privacy settings to limit data sharing.
What Are Your Legal Rights?
Depending on where you live, you may have legal rights that protect your genetic data:
- GDPR (Europe): You have the right to request full deletion of your data.
- CCPA (California): You can opt out of your data being sold to third parties.
- Other U.S. states: Some states have specific laws protecting genetic privacy—check your local regulations.
If 23andMe refuses to delete your data, you can file a complaint with the appropriate data protection agency.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to delete my data?
It usually takes 30 to 90 days for your request to be fully processed.
2. Can I delete my data but keep my account?
No, deleting your data means your entire account will be removed.
3. Will 23andMe remove my data from third-party researchers?
No. If your data was already shared, it’s out of their hands.
4. Can law enforcement access my genetic data?
23andMe states they only comply with legal requests, but the 2023 breach shows that data can still be leaked.
5. What if I change my mind after deletion?
You cannot recover your data once it’s deleted, so be absolutely sure before making the request.
6. Are there safer alternatives to 23andMe?
Yes! If you’re looking for privacy-focused DNA testing, consider:
- Nebula Genomics (offers anonymous testing and lets you control your data)
- FamilyTreeDNA (doesn’t sell data to third parties)
Conclusion
Your genetic data is one of the most sensitive types of personal information, and protecting it should be a priority. Whether you’re worried about privacy breaches, third-party data sharing, or government access, deleting your 23andMe genetic data is a smart step towards taking back control.
If you decide to keep your account, make sure to review your privacy settings and minimize data sharing. Remember, once your DNA is out there, it’s almost impossible to take it back.
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