How to delete your 23andMe data

In March, 23andMe, a prominent DNA testing service, sought bankruptcy protection, raising alarms about the future of its genetic data belonging to approximately 15 million customers. The situation escalated when Regeneron, a major pharmaceutical company, announced in May its acquisition of 23andMe for $256 million, following a bankruptcy auction. While Regeneron pledged to uphold 23andMe's privacy standards, it indicated plans to utilize the genetic data to enhance drug discovery. This development prompted security experts and policymakers to urge customers to take proactive measures to safeguard their information. During a recent House Oversight Committee hearing, interim CEO Joseph Selsavage revealed that nearly 1.9 million individuals, or around 15% of the user base, have taken the initiative to request the deletion of their genetic data. Further complicating matters, over two dozen states have launched legal action against 23andMe, contesting the sale of customer data without explicit consent. They argue that the company must seek permission from its users before proceeding with such transactions. For those who have shared their DNA with 23andMe, there are steps available to protect your information. Although complete deletion of all data is not possible, users can manage certain aspects of their data. To initiate the deletion process, log in to your 23andMe account and follow the outlined steps. Upon completion, you will receive an email confirming your request. It is crucial to note that while you can request deletion, 23andMe's privacy policy states that the company may retain specific information, including genetic data, date of birth, and sex, to comply with legal requirements. Additionally, limited account-related information may be kept for a determined period to fulfill legal obligations and for audit purposes. If you previously consented to the storage of your saliva sample and DNA, you can modify this setting by accessing your account preferences. Furthermore, if you allowed 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data for research purposes, you can withdraw your consent, but the data itself cannot be deleted retroactively. After requesting data deletion, it's advisable to encourage family members to do the same, as their genetic information is also at risk. Additionally, reaching out to friends to ensure that everyone is taking steps to protect their data is a prudent move. This evolving story highlights the critical importance of data privacy in the age of genetic testing.