The California-based company — which offers DNA testing to trace ancestry and analyze personal health risks, among other services — announced plans to sell its assets. That's raised concerns about how the genetic information on file may be handled.
Kentucky's top law enforcement official Russell Coleman is reminding consumers they have the right to delete their accounts and the ability to request and obtain destruction of any samples of genetic material held by the company.
Coleman said every Kentuckian who did business with 23andMe should consider taking the proper steps to safeguard their sensitive information.
Consumers can delete their account and personal information by taking the following steps:
- Log into your 23andMe account on their website.
- Go to the “Settings” section of your profile.
- Scroll to a section labeled “23andMe Data” at the bottom of the page.
- Click “View” next to “23andMe Data.”
- Download your data: If you want a copy of your genetic data for personal storage, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding.
- Scroll to the “Delete Data” section.
- Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
- Confirm your request: You’ll receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request.
To Destroy Your 23andMe Test Sample:
If you previously opted to have your saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe, but want to change that preference, you can do so from your account settings page, under “Preferences.”
To Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used for Research:
If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers using your genetic data and sample for research, you may withdraw consent from the account settings page under “Research and Product Consents.”