In recent years, 23andMe has become a popular service for individuals seeking insights into their ancestry and genetic health. However, recent developments have raised concerns about the privacy and security of the data stored by the company.
In 2023, 23andMe experienced a significant data breach that compromised the personal information of approximately 6.9 million users. This breach exposed sensitive data, including names, birth years, and genetic information, leading to increased scrutiny of the company’s data protection practices.
Following the breach, 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025. Shortly after, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals announced plans to acquire the company’s assets for $256 million. This raised new questions about who would control and access user data going forward.
Given these events, many users are considering deleting their 23andMe data to protect their privacy. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to delete your data and explains why it might be a smart decision.
Understanding the Risks of 23andMe Data Exposure
The 2023 breach revealed serious flaws in how 23andMe handled and secured personal genetic data. Hackers accessed user profiles and exposed personal and genetic information.
This type of data is highly sensitive. It can be misused in ways that affect not only the user but also their biological relatives. Potential risks include insurance discrimination, identity theft, or unauthorized use in research.
Even more concerning, users had limited knowledge about how widely their data was shared or sold to third parties. The breach showed that once data is compromised, users lose control over where it ends up.
If you participated in any ancestry or health service through 23andMe, your raw genetic file could now be stored somewhere unknown. This risk will only grow as technology advances and data markets expand.
