How to delete your 23andMe data before it’s too late

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Well folks, it looks like 23andMe’s journey of helping people discover their long-lost relatives has hit a major speed bump. The genetic testing company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy today, and CEO Anne Wojcicki is stepping down.

If you’re one of the millions who sent your spit to 23andMe over the years, you might want to sit up and pay attention.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is strongly recommending that customers delete their data ASAP, which seems like pretty solid advice given the company’s recent massive data breach affecting nearly seven million users.

Here’s How to Wipe Your DNA Data From 23andMe Servers

Look, I get it – deleting your genetic data feels about as fun as a root canal. But it’s probably wise, given the circumstances. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log into your 23andMe account (remember that password from 2018? No? Check your password manager)
2. Head to “Settings” in your profile
3. Click “View” in the “23andMe Data” section
4. Download your data first if you want to keep a copy (you never know when you’ll need proof of your 2.7% Viking ancestry)
5. Find the “Delete Data” section
6. Hit “Permanently Delete Data“
7. Check your email and click the confirmation link they send

Go The Extra Mile

For the extra paranoid (or just appropriately cautious), you can also:

• Request the destruction of your physical DNA sample if you opted for storage
• Revoke consent for your genetic data to be used in research
• Review and withdraw from any ongoing studies

Both options can be found under the Preferences tab in your account settings. Because let’s be real – do you really want your DNA hanging out in a lab somewhere while the company goes through bankruptcy proceedings?

The Bigger Picture

This bankruptcy filing comes after a rough few years for 23andMe, including that massive data breach that went unnoticed for five months (yikes) and a class action lawsuit settlement for $30 million.

The company’s value has plummeted from $6 billion to less than $50 million.

While the company says they’re committed to protecting customer data during the bankruptcy process, let’s just say their track record isn’t exactly confidence-inspiring.

For the privacy-conscious among us (which should be everyone at this point), taking a few minutes to scrub your data from their servers might be the smartest thing you do today.

Remember, once your genetic data is out there, you can’t exactly put that genie back in the bottle.

Do you plan to delete your data, or do you trust the company’s assurances? We’d love to hear your perspective! Drop a comment below or join the conversation on our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Kevin Raposo

Kevin is KnowTechie's founder and executive editor. With over 15 years of blogging experience in the tech industry, Kevin has transformed what was once a passion project into a full-blown tech news publication. Shoot him an email at kevin@knowtechie.com.