Last Updated on March 25, 2025 by Tyler
If you’ve ever sent your saliva to 23andMe, you might be wondering how to delete 23andMe data—especially now. The genetic testing company is in crisis. On March 23, 2025, it filed for bankruptcy, prompting California’s Attorney General to issue a rare consumer alert urging users to remove their DNA data from the platform. With millions of genetic records at stake, knowing how to delete 23andMe data has never been more urgent.
“I remind Californians to consider invoking their rights and directing 23andMe to delete their data and destroy any samples of genetic material held by the company,” Bonta said.
If you’ve ever used 23andMe’s services, your most sensitive personal data—your DNA—could be at risk. Here’s everything you need to know about how to delete 23andMe data and protect your genetic privacy.
Why You Should Delete Your 23andMe Data Now
Understanding how to delete 23andMe data is more than a technical how-to—it’s about protecting one of the most sensitive parts of your identity.
23andMe is attempting to sell its assets during bankruptcy, and its own privacy policy admits that your DNA could be part of that transaction. That means if you don’t act, your genetic information could be sold, transferred, or misused by a third party.
Back in 2023, the company suffered a breach that exposed personal information from 7 million users. Now, privacy advocates and state officials are warning consumers to act fast.
23andMe holds genetic, familial, and health data from over 15 million customers. While the company claims there will be “no changes” to how it protects consumer data during bankruptcy, legal documents suggest otherwise.
According to 23andMe’s own privacy policy:
“If we are involved in a bankruptcy, merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your Personal Information may be accessed, sold or transferred as part of that transaction.”
That means your DNA profile—possibly including family tree details, predispositions to diseases, and other biometric data—could be sold to a new owner.
Add to that the company’s 2023 breach affecting 7 million users, and it’s no wonder privacy experts are sounding the alarm.
How to Delete 23andMe Data (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Deleting your genetic data from 23andMe is possible, but you need to follow the right steps carefully:
- Log Into your 23andMe account
- Go to Account Settings and Click your profile photo > Settings
- Find the “23andMe Data” Section. Scroll to the bottom of the Settings page and under “23andMe Data”, click View
- Download Your Data (Optional). You can select which reports or raw data you want to keep. Download and securely store this information—it’s not something you can recover later
- Delete your data: Scroll down to “Delete Data” and click Permanently Delete Data
- Confirm Deletion via Email. Check your inbox for a confirmation email from 23andMe. Click the verification link to finalize the request
Once confirmed, 23andMe will delete your account, discard your DNA sample (if stored), and unenroll you from any research programs.
Want to Go Further? Here’s What Else You Can Delete
Even if you know how to delete 23andMe data, don’t stop there.
Understanding how to delete 23andMe data means going beyond just clicking “Delete.” It includes:
- Erasing stored saliva samples
- Revoking research permissions
- Ensuring future owners can’t use your information
According to California’s Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you also have the right to:
🧪 Destroy Your Saliva Sample
- Go to Settings > Preferences
- Change your storage preferences and request destruction of your biological sample
🧫 Withdraw from Research Programs
- Go to Settings > Research and Product Consents
- Revoke any previously given consent for your data or DNA to be used in research
These actions ensure you revoke not only access to your data, but also permission to use it.
What Are the Risks If You Don’t Delete Your 23andMe Data?
Your DNA can reveal:
- Predispositions to medical conditions
- Relatives you didn’t know existed
- Sensitive personal history tied to ancestry, ethnicity, and identity
Privacy advocates warn that if this data falls into the wrong hands:
- Insurers could deny coverage based on genetic risk
- Employers might discriminate (if protections fail)
- Hackers could exploit leaked profiles
- New owners could change the privacy terms without your full understanding
“This is some of the most precious data that exists about you,” said Ginny Fahs of Consumer Reports. “You’re right to be concerned that it may be up for grabs.”
Legal Rights That Let You Delete Your Genetic Data
Thanks to California’s Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) and Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you have the right to request data deletion. These laws support your ability to:
- Delete your account
- Destroy your sample
- Withdraw from research
- Prevent further data sharing
Even if you’re not a California resident, 23andMe extends these protections nationwide. This means anyone in the U.S. can take advantage of these rights—if they know how to delete 23andMe data.
Why This Is a Privacy Crisis Waiting to Happen
Attorney General Rob Bonta warned: “Given 23andMe’s reported financial distress, I remind Californians to consider invoking their rights and directing 23andMe to delete their data and destroy any samples of genetic material held by the company.”
This is why learning how to delete 23andMe data is so crucial today.
Final Thoughts: Delete Now, Protect Your Future
The bankruptcy of 23andMe is a wake-up call. If you value your privacy, you need to know how to delete 23andMe data—and take action.
Don’t wait for a new owner, new terms of service, or another data breach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does 23andMe sell your data?
23andMe says it does not sell your genetic data without consent, but the reality is more nuanced. If you opted into research programs, your anonymized data may have been shared with third parties, including pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, the company’s privacy policy allows your personal information to be sold or transferred in the event of a bankruptcy, merger, or sale—which is exactly what’s happening now.
Can I force a company to delete my data?
Yes, under laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA), you can legally request that a company delete your personal and genetic data. Most U.S. companies, including 23andMe, allow consumers to submit deletion requests—even if they don’t live in California. This article explains how to delete 23andMe data step by step.
What happened to 23andMe data?
In 2023, 23andMe suffered a major data breach that exposed personal information from approximately 7 million users, including ancestry details and family trees. In 2025, the company filed for bankruptcy, raising concerns that user DNA data could be sold or misused during the asset sale process. These events have led to increased scrutiny and calls to delete personal data from the platform.
Is 23andMe safe to use now?
While 23andMe claims it will maintain data protection practices during bankruptcy proceedings, many privacy experts caution against trusting the platform right now. Given its recent data breach, financial instability, and uncertain future ownership, the safest course of action is to understand how to delete 23andMe data and remove your information entirely.
Should I delete my 23andMe data?
Yes—especially in light of 23andMe’s bankruptcy and past security issues. Privacy advocates and even California’s Attorney General have publicly urged consumers to delete their genetic data from the platform. Since DNA is permanent and uniquely personal, deleting your data ensures it won’t be sold, shared, or exposed in the future.
