DNA 23andMe test service filed for losses protection On March 16th, sparking concerns about what can be done occur in genetic data of 15 million company customers.
23andme said that “data privacy will be an important consideration of any potential transaction.” However, security and lawmakers have warned customers to take action to protect their data, considering that a new owner can change how the company's data is managed and used.
If you were one of 15 million people who shared their DNA at 23andMe, we have released the steps you can take to protect yourself. While you can't delete all your 23andme data, there are some things you can control.
It is noteworthy that the data removal process may take some time, as users report that the 23andMe's website works slower than ever before, probably due to people who are growing on the site to delete their data.
How to delete your 23andMe data
To delete your data from 23andMe, you need to log in to your account.
First, navigate to Settings section of your profile. Then, scroll down to selection with labeled 23andme data. From there, –lick the See Option and then scroll to Delete the data Section. Next, select Permanently delete data button.
You will receive an email from 23andMe with a link that will give you to confirm your removal request.
You can choose to download a copy of your data before deleting it.
There is an important caveat, as the 23andMe privacy policy states that the company and its labs will “keep your genetic information, date of birth, and gender as needed for compliance with appropriate legal obligations.”
The policy continues: “23AndMe also retains limited information related to your account removal request and data, including but not limited to, your email address, account removal of account removal, communications related to questions or complaints and legal agreements for a limited time period as required by law, contractual obligations, and/or if necessary for establishment, exercise or defend claim and for the purposes of audit and compliance.
This means that 23andme can maintain some of your information for an unspecified amount of time.
How
If you were previously chosen to have your saliva and DNA sample stored 23andme, you changed this setting.
You can withdraw your permission by going to your 23andme account settings page and then navigating to Preference.
In addition, if you previously agreed with 23andMe and third-party researchers using your genetic data and sample for research, you can remove permission from Research and Product Permissions section in your account settings.
While you can reverse that permission, there is no way you can delete that information.
Check in with your family members
When you are asked to remove your data, it is important to check in with your family members and encourage them to do the same because not only their DNA is at risk of selling, it also affects the people associated with them.
And while you're there, it's worth checking -in with your friends to make sure all your loved ones are taking steps to protect their data.
