Based on data from Similarweb, 23andMe.com experienced its highest surge in traffic in two years on Monday following reports of the DNA testing company's bankruptcy
By Key Software Inc Business Analysis Team
23andMe, a prominent genetic testing company, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to declining demand and financial challenges. (Bhanvi Satjia, 2025) This development has raised concerns among its 15 million customers about the security and privacy of their genetic information. If you're considering deleting your 23andMe data, here's a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.
Steps to Delete Your 23andMe Data
Log into Your 23andMe Account Visit the 23andMe website and sign in using your credentials.
Access the Data Deletion Page Navigate to your account settings and locate the data deletion section. This area provides information on deleting your personal and genetic data.
Review the Privacy Statement Before proceeding, it's advisable to review 23andMe's full Privacy Statement to understand the implications of data deletion. For further information, you can contact their support team via email at Privacy@23andme.com.
Submit the Deletion Request Click on the “Permanently Delete Data” button to initiate the deletion process.
Confirm Your Request via Email After submitting the request, 23andMe will send a confirmation email to your registered address. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your deletion request.
Processing Time Once confirmed, 23andMe will process your request, which may take up to 30 days. After deletion, you will no longer have access to your account or genetic data. (Kan, 2025)
Important Considerations Before Deleting Your Data
Irreversible Action: Once your data is deleted, it cannot be recovered.
Linked Services: If you've shared your genetic data with third-party services, they may retain copies independently.
Research Participation: If you opted into 23andMe’s research studies, deletion may not retract data already used for research purposes.
Legal Protections for Genetic Data in California
California has enacted the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA), which imposes strict requirements on direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of genetic data. Under GIPA, companies must obtain explicit consent from consumers for various actions, including:
Collecting genetic data.
Using genetic data beyond the primary purpose of the service.
Disclosing genetic data to third parties.
This law empowers California residents to have greater control over their genetic information and ensures that companies adhere to stringent privacy standards.
(Cassandre Coyer, 2025)
Conclusion
Given 23andMe's recent bankruptcy filing, concerns about the handling of genetic data have intensified. Following the steps outlined above can help you permanently delete your data from their servers. Additionally, California's Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) provides legal avenues to ensure your genetic information is protected. Always consider the irreversible nature of data deletion and ensure you've secured any information you wish to retain before proceeding.
The key question remains: who will take over 23andMe, a company that has also utilized customer genetic data for pharmaceutical research. At this time, the company has only stated that any potential buyer must adhere to relevant legal requirements regarding the handling of customer data.
Lastly, 23andMe highlighted that any acquisition would be subject to approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), ensuring oversight by U.S. regulators.