How to Delete Your 23andMe Data: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Delete Your 23andMe Data and Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

Recent Developments with 23andMe

In September 2024, all seven independent directors of 23andMe’s board resigned, leaving only CEO Anne Wojcicki in control of the company’s direction. This mass resignation was due to disagreements over the company’s strategic future and followed months of internal disputes. As a result, 23andMe’s stock price dropped to an all-time low, declining 99% from its peak shortly after its IPO. For many users, this instability raised concerns about the company’s viability and the security of their genetic data.

Additionally, 23andMe has been entangled in privacy controversies. In 2023, a data breach exposed the genetic and ancestry data of nearly 6.9 million users, leading to a class-action lawsuit, which the company settled for $30 million in September 2024. Compounded by its existing partnerships with pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the breach has fueled user apprehension about how their data is being used and shared.

Why You Might Consider Deleting Your 23andMe Data

Several reasons might prompt you to delete your data from 23andMe:

• Privacy Concerns: With the recent data breach and collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, many users are worried about how their data is handled and whether it’s being shared without their consent.
• Data Ownership and Security: Some users want full control over their data to ensure it is not accessible to third parties or used for purposes beyond their consent.
• Company Instability: The recent leadership resignations and declining stock value raise questions about the future of the company and what will happen to user data if the company is sold or goes out of business.

Before Deleting: Download Your Raw DNA Data File From Your 23andMe Account

Before deleting your 23andMe account, it’s crucial to download your raw DNA data so you can retain access to it. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Log In to Your 23andMe Account: Go to 23andMe’s website and sign in.
2. Navigate to Settings: Click on your profile picture and select "Settings".
3. Request Raw Data Download: Scroll down to the "Download" section. Click on "Request Your Raw Data" and agree to the terms.
4. Verify Your Identity: Confirm your password or go through additional verification steps if prompted.
5. Download the File: You’ll receive an email with a link to download your raw data in a .zip file format. Save it securely.

Keep this file safe, as it contains sensitive genetic data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Your 23andMe Data And Account

Once you have downloaded your raw DNA data, follow these steps to delete your data and account:

1. Log In to 23andMe: Go to your account and navigate to "Settings".
2. Delete Genetic Data: Scroll down to the "Privacy & Sharing" section and select "Delete Your Genetic Data".
3. Confirm Deletion: Follow the prompts to confirm that you want to delete your genetic data.
4. Delete Your Account: After deleting your genetic data, go back to "Settings" and select "Delete Your Account".
5. Final Confirmation: Check your email for a confirmation link and complete the deletion process.

This process is irreversible. Ensure you have downloaded all the data you want to keep before proceeding.

If you're interested in reviewing the instructions 23andMe provides on their site for downloading and deleting data, click here to be go to that article at 23andMe's site.

What Happens to Your Data After Deletion?

According to 23andMe’s updated privacy policy, once you delete your data and account:

• Genetic Data: All genetic data will be removed from their active systems. However, 23andMe states that some information may be retained for regulatory or legal reasons.
• Research Data: If your data was used in research studies, it cannot be withdrawn from completed research projects.
• General Account Data: Some non-genetic account data, such as purchase history, may be retained as required by law.
   

Why Choose Sequencing.com as a Secure Alternative?

If you’re concerned about privacy and want a secure platform to store your genetic data, Sequencing.com offers a more privacy-focused alternative. Here’s why Sequencing.com stands out:

• HIPAA-Compliant: Sequencing complies with HIPAA, ensuring your DNA data is protected according to strict healthcare standards.
• US-EU-Swiss Privacy Shield-Compliant: Complies with strict international privacy standards for secure data handling.
• Privacy Forever Policy: Sequencing's pledge that your DNA data will never be sold. Learn more about Sequencing's Privacy Forever policy.
• Your Data Is Never Sold: Unlike 23andMe, Sequencing does not collaborate, sell, or share any data with pharmaceutical companies, ensuring your data is not exploited. Sequencing also does not work with, sell, or share any data with insurnace companies, law enforcement, or government agencies.
   

How to Upload Your DNA Data to Sequencing.com

If you’ve decided to transition to a more secure platform, follow these steps to upload your genetic data to Sequencing:

1. Create an Account: Go to Sequencing.com and sign up for a free account.
2. Upload Your Data: Go to Sequencing's Upload Center and upload the .zip file you downloaded from 23andMe.
3. Secure Your Data: Your genetic data will be securely stored in your Sequencing account using advanced encryption technologies.
4. Explore Genetic Insights: Use a variety of reports and tools to gain personalized insights into your health and wellness.
    

Get a Free Healthy Heart Report with Code FREEHEART

As a special offer, Sequencing is providing a free Healthy Heart DNA Analysis Report (normally $39). To claim this offer:

1. Upload your 23andMe data as outlined above.
2. Visit the Healthy Heart DNA Analysis Report page.
3. Add the report to your cart and proceed to checkout.
4. Apply the discount code FREEHEART at checkout to get the report for free.
    

Conclusion

Taking control of your DNA data is crucial in today’s data-driven world. Deleting your 23andMe data and transitioning to a secure platform like Sequencing offers peace of mind and better control over how your sensitive information is handled. Sequencing's commitment to privacy and user empowerment ensures that your genetic data is stored securely and used only with your consent.

References

• Independent Directors of 23andMe Resign from Board (2024, September 17).
• 23andMe is in trouble. What happens to all the DNA data? (2024, September 25). NPR.
• 23andMe is on the brink. What happens to all its DNA data? (2024, October 3). Health News Florida.
• 23andMe settles class-action breach lawsuit for $30 million. (2024, September 13). The Register.
• Sequencing.com Privacy Forever Policy. Retrieved from Privacy Forever (2024).