A 23andMe 2013 genome testing kit. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia/Creative Commons

A 23andMe 2013 genome testing kit. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia/Creative Commons

How to delete genetic data from 23andMe

Washington state residents have a right to genetic data privacy and ability to request data deletion.

The Washington Attorney General’s Office (AGO) wants you to know your rights when it comes to your DNA data.

In the wake of the direct-to-consumer genetic testing company 23andMe’s bankruptcy filing on March 23, the AGO released a statement reminding Washingtonians of “their right to genetic data privacy and ability to request data deletion.”

“While the company has said it will not make any changes to the ways it ‘stores, manages or protects’ consumer data, its future is unclear,” said the statement. “The company intends to find new ownership but there are no guarantees how new owners would run the company, which holds private genetic data for more than 14 million people.”

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The state’s My Health My Data Act gives consumers the right to withdraw consent, request data deletion and verify whether their data has been sold or shared, along with obtaining a list of all third parties who have received their data. In short, sensitive health data, which includes genetic data, is protected by state law from being collect, shared or sold without a person’s consent or authorization.

How to delete genetic data from 23andMe

• 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 will receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link to the email to confirm your deletion request.

To destroy your 23andMe Test Sample

If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data and sample for research, you may withdraw consent from the account settings pages, under “Research and Product Consents”


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Northwest

t
Measles case identified in King County adult

4th case in state in 2025; Public Health – Seattle & King County says minimal risk to public from case

Lakeland Elementary School in Federal Way. Joshua Solozano, Sound Publishing
Juvenile shot, injured at Federal Way elementary school play area

Shot by another juvenile in April 8 incident; has since been released from hospital

Chris Reykdal. COURTESY PHOTO, OSPI
Reykdal releases statement about federal efforts to control schools

State superintendent says ‘recognition of diversity is a cornerstone of public education’

SnoValley Pride founder Gregory Jamiel holds up his “gay, proud and pissed” sign during Duvall’s Hands Off! protest April 5, 2025. Photo courtesy of Travis Wetherbee/Last Lite Photography
Hundreds attend Duvall ‘Hands Off!’ march in line with nationwide protests

‘I don’t want to just sit down and be quiet,’ said attendee Kelley Rush.

Many demonstrators spoke about the importance of protecting refugees and immigrants that make up much of the Federal Way community. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang /Sound Publishing
Hundreds participate in Hands Off rally in Federal Way | Photos

It was part of a nationwide protest against the Trump administration’s actions and policies.

Councilmembers Jack Walsh and Jack Dovey consider the resolution to support Emerald City Behavioral Health, ultimately voting no. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / Sound Publishing
Federal Way City Council supports youth psychiatric facility in split vote

In a surprise agenda item, a resolution was passed to support facility operator.

A 23andMe 2013 genome testing kit. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia/Creative Commons
How to delete genetic data from 23andMe

Washington state residents have a right to genetic data privacy and ability to request data deletion.

Screenshot
King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion testifying to the King County Council about budget cut impacts.
King County budget deficit could bring big consequences

A new Senate bill related to property taxes is seen as one way to mitigate the effects.

Courtesy Photo, Renton Police
Renton Police Department expands vehicle fleet

Council approves purchase of 18 vehicles for $1.1 million.

t
New catalytic converter law aimed at deterring theft in WA

The new law also creates specific and real penalties for people who don’t follow the rules.

t
Federal Way woman indicted for scamming elderly Korean community

She allegedly spent nearly $1 million at casinos.

Courtesy Photo, State of Washington
Major boost to special education funding gets Washington Senate approval

The bipartisan bill calls for the state to funnel about $2 billion more to schools over four years.