DNA 23AndME testing service are deposited for bankruptcy protection on March 16, raising concerns about what could happen to the company’s 15 million customers’ genetic data.
Said the company that “the privacy of data will be an important issue in any possible transaction”. However, security experts and legislators have warned customers to take action to protect their data, believing that a new owner could change the way the company’s data management and use.
If you are one of the 15 million people who shared their DNA with the 23ndme, we have described the steps you can take to protect yourself. While you can’t delete all your 23Andme data, there are some things you can check.
It is worth noting that the data removal process may take some time, as users have reported that the 23ndme website works slower than usual, probably due to people flocking to the site to delete their data.
How to delete your data 23 and
To delete your data from 23AndME, you must log into your account and then follow these steps:
- Go to Arrangements Part of your profile.
- Move down to highlighting the choice 23 and data.
- Click on Goddess Select and move to Deletion of data part.
- Choose the Permanently delete data button.
You will then receive an email from 23andme with a link that will allow you to confirm your deletion request.
You can choose to download a copy of your data before deleting it.
There is a significant warning, such as the 23ndMe Privacy Policy says that the company and its laboratories “will maintain your genetic information, date of birth and gender, as required to comply with applicable legal obligations”.
Policy continues: “The 23AndME will also maintain limited information on your account and data deletion request, including, for example, of your email address, of your account deletion request, communications related to questions or complaints and legal agreements for a limited period of time, as required by law, requirements for both acoustics and compliance.
This essentially means that 23AndMe can keep some of your information for an unspecified amount of time.
How to destroy the 23ndMe test sample and recall permission to use your data for research
If you have previously chosen to have your saliva sample and DNA stored from 23andme, you can change this setting.
To recall your license, go to your account settings page and then go Preferences.
In addition, if you previously agreed to 23 and third parties who use your genetic data and the sample for research, you can withdraw consent from the Research and consensual products Section on your account settings.
While you can reverse this consent, there is no way to delete this information.
Check in with your family members
Once you ask for deletion of your data, it is important to check in with your family members and encourage them to do the same because it is not only their DNA that is in danger of selling – it also affects the people they are related to.
And while you are in it, it is worth checking with your friends to ensure that all of your loved ones are taking measures to protect their data.
