Why you should delete your 23andMe data now
If you've ever used 23andMe to trace your ancestry or peek into your genetic health risks, it might be time to take a second look at where that information is stored.
This month 23andMe filed for bankruptcy. And here's the part that should concern you: their assets are being auctioned off to the highest bidder. That includes your DNA data and biological samples.
Yes, the most personal information about you—your biological blueprint—could soon be in the hands of a company you've never heard of, with goals that don't align with yours. And once your DNA data is out there, it can't be "undone."
Why this matters
The most obvious scenario? A buyer who wants to sell your data to insurance companies. If your genetic profile suggests you might develop certain health conditions later in life, an insurer could use that to deny you coverage, charge you higher premiums, or flag you as a financial risk
Even if you're currently covered, switching policies or jobs in the future could get tricky. And while there are some laws that restrict how this data can be used, they vary by state and can change over time. It’s not worth the gamble.
What you can do now
Thankfully, you can delete your 23andMe account and request that your data be wiped from their systems. They provide a support article with details on how to do this.
This will permanently delete your genotyping results and all stored data, and you won't be able to recover it later.
Should I be worried if I used their service years ago?
Yes. Unless you explicitly deleted your account and data at the time, your information could still be on file. That includes your raw DNA data, family relationships, health risk profiles, and more.
Can’t I just delete the app or my password?
Unfortunately, no. Deleting the app or removing your login from the Passwords app won’t do anything to remove your data from their servers. It will just delete it from your phone. You must go through the official account closure process to request permanent deletion.
It’s easy to forget that in the digital age, what you did years ago can come back to haunt you. But with something as personal as your DNA, the risk isn’t just identity theft—it’s discrimination based on your biology.
Take a few minutes today to protect yourself. Then tell a friend or family member to do the same.