23andMe files for bankruptcy: How to delete your data

DNA testing service 23andMe filed for bankruptcy protection on March 16, sparking considerations about what might happen to the genetic data of the corporate’s 15 million prospects. 

The company has said that “information privateness will likely be an necessary consideration in any potential transaction.” Nonetheless, safety consultants and lawmakers have cautioned prospects to take motion to guard their information, contemplating {that a} new proprietor might change how the corporate’s information is managed and used. 

When you’re one of many 15 million individuals who shared their DNA with 23andMe, we’ve outlined the steps you may take to guard your self. When you can’t delete all of your 23andMe information, there are some issues you may management.

It’s price noting that the data-removal course of might take a while, as customers have reported that 23andMe’s web site is functioning slower than traditional, possible resulting from folks flocking to the positioning to delete their information.

Tips on how to delete your 23andMe information

To delete your information from 23andMe, you want to log in to your account after which comply with these steps:

• Navigate to the Settings part of your profile.
• Scroll all the way down to the choice labeled 23andMe Knowledge. 
• Click on the View possibility and scroll to the Delete Knowledge part.
• Choose the Completely Delete Knowledge button.

You’ll then obtain an e-mail from 23andMe with a hyperlink that may permit you to affirm your deletion request. 

You’ll be able to select to obtain a replica of your information earlier than deleting it.

There is a vital caveat, as 23andMe’s privateness coverage states that the corporate and its labs “will retain your Genetic Info, date of start, and intercourse as required for compliance with relevant authorized obligations.”

The coverage continues: “23andMe may also retain restricted info associated to your account and information deletion request, together with however not restricted to, your e-mail handle, account deletion request identifier, communications associated to inquiries or complaints and authorized agreements for a restricted time frame as required by regulation, contractual obligations, and/or as obligatory for the institution, train or protection of authorized claims and for audit and compliance functions.”

This primarily implies that 23andMe might maintain a few of your info for an unspecified period of time. 

Tips on how to destroy your 23andMe check pattern and revoke permission in your information for use for analysis

When you beforehand opted to have your saliva pattern and DNA saved by 23andMe, you may change this setting.

To revoke your permission, go into your 23andMe account settings web page after which navigate to Preferences. 

As well as, for those who beforehand agreed to 23andMe and third-party researchers utilizing your genetic information and pattern for analysis, you may withdraw consent from the Analysis and Product Consents part in your account settings. 

When you can reverse that consent, there’s no approach so that you can delete that info.

Examine in with your loved ones members

After getting requested the deletion of your information, it’s necessary to verify in with your loved ones members and encourage them to do the identical as a result of it’s not simply their DNA that’s prone to sale — it additionally impacts folks they’re associated to. 

And when you’re at it, it’s price checking in with your mates to make sure that all your family members are taking steps to guard their information.