Amid recent turmoil at 23andMe, a major data breach and significant layoffs have prompted many users to question the safety and retention of their genetic information. The company revealed that the breach compromised the data of approximately 6.9 million users, with attackers specifically targeting those of Chinese or Ashkenazi Jewish descent. This situation has left many users anxious about the security of their sensitive genetic data and eager to know if and how they can delete their information from 23andMe’s database. Although completely eradicating your data from all systems might prove complicated, there are specific steps you can follow for data deletion.
1. Log into Your 23andMe Account
The first step you need to take if you want to delete your genetic data from 23andMe is to access your account by logging in. This might sound straightforward, but it’s an essential part of the process that ensures you’re able to reach the necessary sections to manage your data. With a spate of high-profile data breaches becoming more common, ensuring that you have authenticated access to your account is more critical than ever. It is advisable to use a strong, unique password and enable any available two-factor authentication measures for an added layer of security.
2. Navigate to Settings
Once you have successfully logged into your 23andMe account, you will need to navigate to the Settings section to begin the data management process. In a web browser, this involves scrolling to the bottom of the page to find and select the “View” option next to the 23andMe Data section. If you’re using the mobile application, scroll to the bottom of the Settings menu and choose “Access your data” under the 23andMe Data section. This step is essential for identifying which pieces of information you wish to keep or delete. By making your way to the settings, you are setting the stage for managing your genetic data in a way that aligns with your privacy concerns.
3. Select Information to Download
Before proceeding with the deletion of your account, it’s crucial to save any data you want to retain. Within the settings, you will find options to download various types of genetic information. This includes an overview of your 23andMe reports, your ancestry composition raw data, your family tree data, and your raw genetic data. Ensuring you secure this information beforehand allows you to upload it to another service if needed for further family or ethnicity searches. This step is critical for preserving your data, and failure to do so could result in permanent loss of all valuable genetic information stored by 23andMe.
4. Download Your Data
After selecting the information you wish to save, proceed to download your data files. These files will be available in several different formats such as PDF, TXT, and JSON, among others. Verify that you have the appropriate applications to open and view these files once they are downloaded. For your raw DNA file, specifically, 23andMe will send an email with a download link. It’s imperative to store this information securely, perhaps on an external hard drive or cloud-based storage service that offers robust security features. Taking this step ensures your genetic data remains accessible to you for future use and continues to be protected against potential breaches or losses.
5. Verify Your Birthdate
In the course of attempting to delete your data, you might be asked to confirm your birthdate to proceed with the process. This verification step is a common procedural measure that 23andMe implements to ensure that the rightful owner of the account is executing such significant changes. The extra layer of security helps prevent unauthorized access and alteration of your sensitive data. Thus, ensure you accurately provide your birthdate as recorded in your account to move forward in the deletion sequence. Verification steps like these might seem redundant, but they are crucial in preserving data integrity and user privacy.
6. Permanently Delete Data
Once you’ve securely downloaded all the information you wish to keep, you can then proceed to permanently delete your data. Scroll to the bottom of the data management settings and find the “Permanently Delete Data” button. Clicking this button initiates the deletion process for your 23andMe account and all associated genetic data. Remember, this action is irreversible, so double-check whether you have retained all the necessary information before pressing that button. It’s a serious decision to erase comprehensive genetic data; hence, ensuring you have everything backed up will prevent future regrets.
7. Confirm Deletion Request
After following the previous steps, you must confirm your decision to delete your data. This confirmation step is crucial as it finalizes the deletion process. You may receive an email or a pop-up notification asking you to confirm the permanent deletion of your data. Make sure you read all instructions carefully and confirm only if you are certain that you want to proceed. Amid recent upheaval at 23andMe, a significant data breach and substantial layoffs have left many users worried about the safety and retention of their genetic information. The company disclosed that the breach affected approximately 6.9 million users, with hackers specifically targeting individuals of Chinese or Ashkenazi Jewish descent. This revelation has understandably sparked anxiety among users about the security of their sensitive genetic data and raised urgent questions about whether they can delete their information from 23andMe’s database. While entirely eradicating personal data from all systems may be challenging, there are precise steps users can take to begin the process of data deletion. These measures offer some hope of reclaiming privacy and mitigating the risks associated with the compromised data, even if complete eradication isn’t guaranteed. Users need to be informed about these steps to better protect their personal information moving forward.
