{"id":211189,"date":"2025-03-24T12:48:32","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T19:48:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=211189"},"modified":"2025-07-29T17:45:36","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T00:45:36","slug":"how-to-delete-your-data-from-23andme-and-protect-your-privacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/how-to-delete-your-data-from-23andme-and-protect-your-privacy\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Delete Your Data from 23andMe and Protect Your Privacy"},"content":{"rendered":"

The collapse of genetic testing giant 23andMe has raised serious privacy concerns for millions of people who shared their DNA with the company. Once valued at $6 billion, the company has filed for bankruptcy and is now selling off assets\u2014including, potentially, your genetic data.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’ve ever used 23andMe to explore your ancestry or health traits, now is the time to take action. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s what\u2019s going on, what it means for your data, how to delete your account, and steps you can take to better protect your online privacy going forward.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s Going On at 23andMe?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

23andMe, once a pioneer in at-home genetic testing, has fallen into financial distress after a series of challenges, including a massive data breach in 2023 that exposed personal information of nearly 7 million users, <\/span>according to TechCrunch<\/span><\/a>. The company\u2019s value plummeted by more than 99%, leading to mass board resignations and a March 2024 bankruptcy filing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, as 23andMe prepares to sell off its assets under court supervision, its massive database of customer DNA\u2014reportedly from more than 15 million users\u2014is on the table. Despite the company\u2019s assurances that its privacy policy remains in effect, <\/span>experts and privacy advocates warn<\/span><\/a> that your sensitive genetic data could end up in the hands of third parties, including pharmaceutical companies or even law enforcement agencies.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is My Privacy at Risk?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you used 23andMe, yes.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Genetic data is some of the most personal information you can share. It can reveal details about your ancestry, health risks, and even family secrets. With 23andMe not covered by HIPAA (the federal health privacy law), your DNA data isn\u2019t protected the way medical records at a doctor\u2019s office would be, <\/span>The Harvard Gazette reports<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although 23andMe claims it won’t share individual-level data without consent, it does reserve the right to sell or transfer personal information as part of a bankruptcy or acquisition. That means your data could be bought by another company\u2014one with different privacy practices or intentions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

California residents, in particular, <\/span>have the legal right to delete their data<\/span><\/a> under the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Delete Your 23andMe Data<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you’re ready to take action, here\u2019s how to delete your genetic data and revoke research permissions through your 23andMe account:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To Delete Your Account and Genetic Data:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Log in to your 23andMe account.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Go to <\/span>Settings<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Scroll down to <\/span>23andMe Data<\/span><\/b> and click <\/span>View<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. (Optional) Download your data if you want to keep a copy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Scroll to the <\/span>Delete Data<\/span><\/b> section.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Click <\/span>Permanently Delete Data<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Confirm via the email link you\u2019ll receive.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    To Destroy Your Saliva Sample:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
      \n
    1. Go to <\/span>Settings<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Navigate to <\/span>Preferences<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Select the option to destroy your stored biological sample.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      To Revoke Research Consent:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
        \n
      1. Go to <\/span>Settings<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Navigate to <\/span>Research and Product Consents<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      3. Withdraw your consent for data sharing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        McAfee\u2019s Tips for Protecting Your Online Privacy<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Your DNA isn’t the only personal data at risk. From email addresses and home addresses to phone numbers and even shopping habits, data brokers are collecting and selling your information online\u2014often without your knowledge or consent.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        That\u2019s why it’s critical to take control of your digital footprint. All McAfee+ plans provide the ability to scan the web for details of your personal information. <\/span>McAfee\u2019s Online Account Cleanup<\/strong><\/a> scans for accounts you no longer use and helps you delete them, along with your personal info.\u00a0<\/span>McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup<\/a>,<\/span><\/b> takes this a step further, by scanning data broker sites for your personal information, and requesting the removal of you details from those sites.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n