Should You Delete Your 23andMe Data? Privacy Risks Explained

An increasing number of people are considering how companies manage their sensitive DNA data as genetic testing services gain popularity. Services such as 23andMe provide information about ancestry and health, but they also raise concerns regarding data security, privacy, and long-term control over genetic information.

If you’ve ever sent your DNA to 23andMe, you might be wondering if you should delete your genetic data. We look at the possible risks, reasons for deleting, and what to do if you want to remove your data from 23andMe’s database.

The Growing Concerns Over Genetic Privacy

Unlike passwords or credit card numbers, genetic data is permanent—it can never be changed or replaced. This makes it uniquely valuable not only to biotechnology firms and researchers but also to insurance companies, law enforcement, and even hackers.

These concerns have led many users to rethink their decision to store DNA data with private companies, especially as policies on genetic data privacy continue to evolve.

Is Deleting Your 23andMe Data the Best Option?

Before deciding to remove your data, consider the following:

• Data Retention Policies: Deleting your account does not always mean complete erasure. Some companies retain anonymized or aggregated data for research or legal purposes. Carefully reviewing 23andMe’s most recent privacy policy is essential.
• Downloading Your Raw Data: If you ever need access to your genetic results in the future, download your raw DNA file before initiating deletion.
• Alternative Privacy Settings: If your main concern is data sharing, adjusting your privacy settings might allow you to restrict how your genetic information is used without fully removing your account.

How to Delete Your 23andMe Data

If you decide that deleting your data is the best course of action, follow these steps:

Step 1: Sign in to Your 23andMe Account

• Visit the 23andMe website and log in to your profile.
• Navigate to Settings > Privacy Preferences to review your current data-sharing options.

Step 2: Request Data Deletion

• Go to the “Delete Your Data & Account” section under account settings.
• Follow the instructions to request deletion. You may need to verify your identity before proceeding.

Step 3: Confirm the Deletion Request

• Some companies require email verification or additional security checks before finalizing account removal.
• Check your inbox for a confirmation email and follow the necessary steps.

Step 4: Monitor for Final Confirmation

• 23andMe states that data deletion is irreversible, meaning your test results, ancestry reports, and stored DNA files will no longer be accessible.
• If you want written confirmation, consider reaching out to 23andMe’s customer support for further verification.

Additional Steps to Enhance Genetic Privacy

Even after deleting your genetic data, there are additional precautions you can take to protect your privacy:

• Review Other DNA Testing Services: If you’ve used other companies like AncestryDNA or MyHeritage, review their privacy policies and consider similar deletion steps.
• Limit Genetic Data Sharing in Your Family: If relatives have uploaded their DNA, your genetic profile could still be partially accessible. Encourage family members to adjust their privacy settings.
• Monitor Privacy Laws and Company Policies: Genetic privacy laws are evolving. Stay informed about changes that could impact how your data is stored and shared.

Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Your Genetic Data

Genetic testing can tell you a lot of interesting things, but it also puts your privacy at risk in the long run. If keeping your personal information private is important to you, it might be a good idea to delete your 23andMe data. But it’s important to think about the pros and cons of having access to genetic information, like the risks of data exposure, corporate use, and security holes.

Before you make a final choice, read through 23andMe’s most recent privacy policies, download any files you need, and make sure you know how to delete your account. You can help protect your genetic privacy in the future by taking steps now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I delete my 23andMe data?

When you request deletion, 23andMe permanently removes your test results, ancestry reports, and stored genetic data. This action is irreversible and cannot be undone.

Does deleting my 23andMe account erase all my genetic data?

Not necessarily. While your account and reports are deleted, 23andMe may retain anonymized or aggregated data for legal, research, or operational purposes. Check the latest privacy policy for specifics.

Can I download my DNA data before deletion?

Yes. Before deleting your account, you can download your raw DNA data file from your profile. This ensures you retain access to your genetic information if needed in the future.

Is it safer to just adjust my privacy settings instead of deleting my account?

If your main concern is data sharing, updating your privacy settings may reduce exposure without needing to delete your account. This includes opting out of research programs or data sharing agreements.

How can my relatives’ DNA impact my privacy?

Even if you delete your data, relatives who have tested with 23andMe or other services can still indirectly reveal parts of your genetic profile through familial matching features.

Was there a data breach at 23andMe?

Yes. In 2023, a breach exposed the genetic data of millions of users. This raised major concerns about how securely these companies store and protect sensitive information.

Can law enforcement access 23andMe data?

While 23andMe states it only cooperates with law enforcement under legal obligation, genetic data from relatives may still be used to identify individuals indirectly.

Are genetic privacy laws strong enough to protect me?

Some protections exist, like the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), but they don’t cover life, disability, or long-term care insurance. Laws vary and may not fully safeguard against all misuse.

What else can I do to protect my genetic privacy?

Consider deleting data from other DNA testing services, encouraging family members to restrict sharing, and staying updated on evolving genetic privacy laws and company practices.

Is it worth deleting my DNA data from 23andMe?

If you prioritize privacy and control over your personal information, deletion can reduce long-term risks. However, you’ll lose access to health and ancestry reports, so weigh the pros and cons carefully.

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Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.

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Article Title: Should You Delete Your 23andMe Data? Privacy Risks Explained

https://fangwallet.com/2025/06/16/23andme-data-privacy/

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