23andMe, maker of popular DNA test kits, has filed for bankruptcy and is looking for a buyer. Here’s why customers should delete their info before it’s sold.

Guest: Wirecutter staff writer Max Eddy

To delete your 23andMe data:

1. Log in to your account and select Settings.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select 23andMe data, then View. (Download a copy of your genetic information).
3. Select Delete Data and then Permanently Delete Data.
4. In Settings, you can also opt to have your genetic material destroyed.
5. Navigate to the Research and Product Consents section and revoke permission to allow your genetic material to be used in research projects. (Doing so revokes that permission only for future research).

23andMe notes that you have to provide additional verification before your data-deletion request can be processed, and that you must follow instructions detailed in a 23andMe confirmation email for your request to be processed. The company recommends emailing [email protected] if you have issues submitting the data-deletion request.

Additional Reading: 

• 23andMe Just Filed for Bankruptcy. You Should Delete Your Data Now.
• The 2 Best DNA Testing Kits of 2025

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