The Wirecutter Show

Delete Your Data from 23andMe

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Description

23andMe, maker of popular DNA test kits, has filed for bankruptcy and is looking for a buyer. Here’s why customers should delete their info before it’s sold.

Guest: Wirecutter staff writer Max Eddy

To delete your 23andMe data:

  1. Log in to your account and select Settings.
  2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select 23andMe data, then View. (Download a copy of your genetic information).
  3. Select Delete Data and then Permanently Delete Data.
  4. In Settings, you can also opt to have your genetic material destroyed.
  5. Navigate to the Research and Product Consents section and revoke permission to allow your genetic material to be used in research projects. (Doing so revokes that permission only for future research).

23andMe notes that you have to provide additional verification before your data-deletion request can be processed, and that you must follow instructions detailed in a 23andMe confirmation email for your request to be processed. The company recommends emailing customercare@23andme.com if you have issues submitting the data-deletion request.

 

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

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