The recent bankruptcy application of 23andme has led to serious concern about the future of the enormous genetic database. Customers who have ever entrusted the company with their DNA data now wonder what will happen to their sensitive information. If you are among them, this is the time to take action. Removing your 23andMe -genetic data and account can be a crucial step in protecting your privacy, especially before possible changes in ownership or policy endanger security.
Privacy experts have long warned against sharing genetic data with private companies, which quoted potential risks. While 23andme has promised to protect user information, a change in ownership can lead to policy shifts. As an addition to these concerns, a large data breach exposed millions of accounts in 2023, which emphasizes the importance of taking control of your DNA data. If you want to remove your 23andMe information permanently, follow the steps below.
Why you should delete your 23andMe data
23andme, the DNA test company that helps people to teach their origins, has applied for bankruptcy protection. pic.twitter.com/jffm25oooi
– Pop Base (@Popbase) March 24, 2025
Genetic data is uniquely sensitive and irreplaceable. Unlike passwords or credit card numbers, your DNA cannot be changed, making it particularly vulnerable to abuse. If 23andme is taken over, the enormous database could fall into the hands of a company with different, potentially less strict, privacy policy. By now removing your genetic data, you reduce the risk that it will be sold, shared or exposed in future infringements.
Although states such as California and Washington offer privacy protection, customers in other regions may not have the same legal guarantees. The most safe approach is to act proactively and to remove your data before potential policy shifts come into effect.
Step -by -step guide: How to delete your 23andMe data
When you are ready to remove your genetic data from 23andMe, follow these steps to ensure that it has been removed from their database:
- Log in: Visit the website of 23andMe, log in with your references and navigate to your profile.
- Access settings: Click on your profile in the top right corner and select “Settings”.
- Find your details: Scroll down to the “23andMe Data” section and click on “View”.
- Download (optional): If you want a copy of your genetic information, download it before you continue.
- Delete request: Find the “Delete data” option and click on “Data permanently delete”.
- Confirm the request: You will receive a confirmation email; Open it and click on the supplied link to complete the removal.
- Destroy your DNA monster (if applicable): If 23andme still has your physical DNA monster, you can ask for the destruction under “Settings”> “Preferences”.
Once these steps are completed, 23andMe starts the removal process. Although the company states that data removal is permanent, it is always wise to follow customer service for confirmation.
How to delete your 23andMe account
To delete your account and all its data:
1. Log in on your account
2. Go to your profile> “Settings”
3. Scroll to “23andMe Data”> Click on “View” ⁰
4. Select “Delete data” oration5. Click on “Data permanently delete” ⁰ €7. Follow the instructions to confirm– Jeff Jackson (@Jeffjacksonnc) March 25, 2025
If you want to completely remove your presence from 23andMe, deleting your genetic data is not enough – you must also delete your entire account. Follow these steps:
- Under “Settings”, find the option for “account information”.
- Scroll down and click on “Delete your account.”
- 23andme will request confirmation before he continues with the removal.
- As with genetic data removal, you will receive an e -mail with a confirmation link to complete the process.
After you have deleted your 23andMe account, you lose access to all reports and functions that are linked to the service.
What happens after you have deleted your 23andMe data?
According to the privacy policy of 23andMe, as soon as you request data removal, the company will remove your information from the active database. However, they can store some data for legal or regulatory reasons. If you are worried, consider reaching their customer service team for clarification.
In addition, if you had previously agreed to research participation, 23andMe will stop using your data for future studies. However, data that has already been included in completed studies cannot be deleted.
The risks to keep your 23andMe data in the file
Even if 23andme claims to have a strict privacy policy, storing your genetic data with a company entails risks. Here are some reasons why deleting your 23andMe data is a good idea:
- Potential sale to a new owner: If 23andme is taken over, the new company cannot fulfill the same privacy obligations.
- Vulnerabilities of security: Past infringements prove that even well -known companies cannot protect to protect user data.
- Limited legal protection: Although some states offer consumer rights, most users have little control over their genetic data.
By choosing to remove 23andMe data now, you eliminate the uncertainty about how your information can be used in the future.
Last thoughts
With 23andMe who is confronted with financial uncertainty and a possible change in ownership, the best way to protect your genetic privacy is now acting. By following the steps described above, you can permanently delete your 23andMe data and ensure that your DNA information remains under your control.
The deleta process is simple, but it requires careful attention to confirmation steps. Whether your concern comes from privacy risks, infringements of security or shifts in company policy, taking proactive action now is the safest way to protect your sensitive genetic data.
Ready to take control of your privacy? Follow these steps to delete your 23andMe data and secure your personal genetic information today.
Featured image: @Afpost/x
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