Why You Should Delete Your 23andMe Data
23andMe offers fascinating insights into your ancestry, health, and genetic traits, but what happens to your DNA data after you’ve submitted it? With increasing concerns about data privacy, security breaches, and third-party sharing, many users are now considering whether they should delete their genetic data from the company’s database.
If you’re wondering whether keeping your DNA data on 23andMe is a good idea, this article will break down why deleting your data might be the safest move.
1. Your Genetic Data Isn’t as Private as You Think
When you send your DNA to 23andMe, you might assume it’s stored safely and only accessible to you. However, the reality is your genetic information could be accessed by multiple entities—including researchers, law enforcement, and even hackers.
🔹 Data Sharing with Third Parties
If you opted into 23andMe’s research program, your DNA data could be used by pharmaceutical companies, universities, and other organizations for studies. Some of these studies can be beneficial, but you may have unknowingly agreed to share your personal genetic data with private corporations.
🔹 Law Enforcement Access
Although 23andMe states they won’t voluntarily share your data with law enforcement, there have been cases where genetic databases helped solve crimes (e.g., the Golden State Killer case using GEDmatch data). While 23andMe claims they would fight requests for user data, legal loopholes could force them to comply with subpoenas in the future.
🔹 Selling Genetic Data for Profit
In 2018, 23andMe partnered with pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in a $300 million deal to provide anonymized genetic data for drug development. While this may lead to medical advancements, you don’t get paid for your data—but corporations do.
2. 23andMe Has Already Had a Major Data Breach
One of the biggest risks of storing your DNA online is data breaches.
🔹 In 2023, 23andMe suffered a massive security breach, exposing personal details of millions of users. While the leaked information didn’t include raw DNA data, it did contain names, birth years, and ancestry results—information that could still be used for identity theft or targeted scams.
🔹 Future Breaches Are Possible
Even if 23andMe improves its security, no company is 100% safe from hacking. DNA is a unique identifier—unlike a password, you can’t change it if it gets leaked.
If you’re concerned about cybersecurity and data privacy, deleting your genetic data from 23andMe is the best way to ensure it never falls into the wrong hands.
3. You Can’t Control How Your Data Is Used in the Future
When you sign up for 23andMe, you’re agreeing to their current privacy policy. But what happens if they change the rules?
🔹 Policies Can Change
Companies update their terms of service all the time. Even if 23andMe doesn’t sell your data today, they could revise their policies later, allowing them to use your DNA in ways you never agreed to.
🔹 Company Acquisitions Can Happen
If 23andMe is ever sold, acquired, or merged with another company, your genetic data could change hands without you having much say in the matter. A new company might not follow the same privacy standards, leaving your DNA vulnerable to new risks.
Deleting your data now ensures that no future changes will impact your personal information.
4. DNA Can Be Used Against You in the Future
While genetic testing can provide valuable health insights, it can also be used against you in unexpected ways.
🔹 Insurance Discrimination
Although U.S. law (GINA – the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act) prevents health insurance companies from using your genetic data against you, this law doesn’t apply to life, disability, or long-term care insurance. If insurers gain access to your genetic predispositions, they might deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on perceived health risks.
🔹 Employment Discrimination
Similarly, employers may one day be able to access genetic data to screen potential hires based on health risks, hereditary conditions, or other traits—even if it’s done secretly through third-party data brokers.
Deleting your 23andMe data now helps prevent it from being used against you in ways you can’t predict.
5. You Can Still Use Your DNA Data Without Keeping It on 23andMe
If you’ve already taken a DNA test and received your ancestry or health reports, you don’t need to keep your data on 23andMe forever.
🔹 Download Your Raw DNA Data
Before deleting your account, you can download your raw DNA file and store it on your own device. This allows you to:
✔ Upload it to alternative sites like MyHeritage, GEDmatch, or FamilyTreeDNA
✔ Use offline genetic analysis tools for ancestry or health insights
✔ Keep it for future personal use without worrying about 23andMe’s security
6. Deleting Your Data Is Simple and Permanent
If you’re convinced that keeping your DNA data with 23andMe is too risky, the good news is that you can delete it.
🔹 How to Delete Your 23andMe Data:
1️⃣ Log into your account
2️⃣ Go to Settings
3️⃣ Scroll to “Delete Your Genetic Data”
4️⃣ Confirm deletion
🔹 How to Delete Your 23andMe Account:
1️⃣ Log into your account
2️⃣ Navigate to Settings > Delete Your Account
3️⃣ Follow the steps and confirm permanent deletion
⏳ Processing Time: Full deletion can take up to 30 days. If you want to destroy your physical DNA sample, you need to contact customer support separately.
Once deleted, your data is gone forever—ensuring that it won’t be accessed, shared, or compromised in the future.
Final Thoughts: Should You Delete Your 23andMe Data?
If you’re concerned about privacy, security, and future risks, deleting your 23andMe data is a smart move. While genetic testing offers exciting insights, the long-term consequences of storing your DNA online are unknown.
Reasons to Delete Your Data:
✅ Prevents third-party access (corporations, law enforcement, hackers)
✅ Protects against future data breaches
✅ Ensures your DNA isn’t used against you (insurance, employment risks)
✅ Stops undisclosed data sharing or policy changes
✅ Gives you control over your personal genetic information
What You Can Do Instead:
✔ Download your raw DNA file for personal use
✔ Use alternative DNA analysis tools without risking online storage
✔ Delete your 23andMe account to protect your privacy permanently
🚀 Bottom Line: Once your DNA is out there, you can’t take it back—but you can delete it before it’s too late. If you value privacy and control over your genetic information, deleting your 23andMe data is the best decision you can make.
💬 What do you think? Are you considering deleting your DNA data? Drop a comment below!
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