TL;DR
- 23andMe, the consumer DNA testing firm, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and has now been reacquired by co-founder Anne Wojcicki through the TTAM Research Institute for $305 million.
- Concerns over data privacy have escalated, with 1.9 million users already requesting data deletion.
- Lawsuits from over two dozen U.S. states challenge the company’s right to transfer personal genetic data without explicit user consent.
- While some information cannot be deleted, users can take steps to permanently remove their profile data and limit its future use in research.
- Follow detailed step-by-step instructions to delete your DNA data and revoke research permissions through your 23andMe account settings.
23andMe’s Data Crisis: A New Owner and Old Concerns
DNA testing platform 23andMe is under intense scrutiny following a series of destabilizing events. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March, the company has now been acquired by its co-founder Anne Wojcicki for $305 million, a move made via her TTAM Research Institute, a nonprofit.
This acquisition comes amid a legal firestorm involving privacy lawsuits and regulatory pressure. Over two dozen states have filed legal challenges, demanding that 23andMe obtain user consent before selling or transferring any genetic data to new owners or third parties.
In parallel, many customers are choosing to take matters into their own hands by deleting their data from the platform.
How Many Users Have Acted So Far?
According to the company’s interim CEO, around 1.9 million users—or roughly 15% of the customer base—have already requested their genetic data be deleted.
This trend underscores growing mistrust in how consumer genetic data is stored and shared, especially during moments of corporate transition.
Key Stats on 23andMe’s Recent Turmoil
| Event | Details | Source |
| Bankruptcy Filing | Chapter 11 (March 2025) | Reuters |
| Acquisition Cost | $305 million by Anne Wojcicki’s TTAM Research Institute | TechCrunch |
| Data Deletion Requests | 1.9 million (15% of users) | Reuters |
| Legal Challenges | 24+ U.S. states sued over data privacy issues | Bloomberg |
Step-by-Step: How to Delete Your 23andMe Data
If you are one of the 15 million customers who previously used 23andMe’s services, you can still act to protect your information:
- Log in to your 23andMe account.
- Go to your Settings tab.
- Scroll to “23andMe Data” and click “View”.
- Navigate to the “Delete Data” section.
- Click “Permanently Delete Data”.
- A confirmation email will be sent to you—click the included link to finalize deletion.
You may also download a copy of your data before deletion.
❗ Important: 23andMe will retain some of your data due to legal requirements, including your genetic markers, birth date, and sex.
What the Privacy Policy Says
According to 23andMe’s privacy policy, the company and its labs will retain some genetic data and other metadata to comply with legal obligations. This includes:
- Genetic Information, date of birth, and sex.
- Your email address and deletion request identifiers.
- Any legal agreements, complaint-related communications, or documentation relevant to audits or lawsuits.
So even after deletion, your full digital footprint may not disappear.
How to Revoke Research Consent and Destroy Your DNA Sample
If you previously consented to research usage or opted to have your DNA sample stored, you can change that:
- Go to Account Settings > Preferences.
- Locate the Research and Product Consents section.
- Withdraw consent to stop your data from being used in ongoing studies.
Unfortunately, previous research contributions cannot be retracted, but this step prevents future use.
Check In with Your Family
Because DNA is shared across relatives, deleting your own data is only part of the solution. If your parents, siblings, or children also submitted samples, their data may indirectly affect your genetic footprint.
Encourage your family members to also:
- Delete their 23andMe data.
- Withdraw from research programs.
- Revisit any prior data-sharing agreements with 23andMe.
Advocacy Groups React
Privacy advocates have renewed calls for federal oversight of consumer DNA platforms. They argue that genetic data should be protected as sensitive medical information, and that any transfer or sale should require explicit user consent, similar to HIPAA-protected health data.
The lawsuits from U.S. states are pushing for exactly that—a higher regulatory bar and clear limits on how and when companies like 23andMe can monetize data.
Expert View: Digital DNA Cannot Be Fully Erased
Security experts caution that deleting your 23andMe account is helpful but not foolproof. Once your DNA data enters backup systems or is shared with research partners, it can persist for years—possibly indefinitely.
Still, deleting your main account and withdrawing future consents minimizes exposure and sends a strong signal about consumer expectations.
Conclusion: Deleting Your Data Is About Control
For millions of users, 23andMe’s bankruptcy and change in ownership highlight the fragility of data stewardship in the biotech sector. While not all traces of your genetic data can be erased, following the correct steps lets you regain some control and minimize the long-term risk of misuse.
If you’re concerned about the future of your data, act now—and encourage your loved ones to do the same.
