How to delete your 23andMe data ASAP – and why you should

June 12, 2025 TH Author

Why should I delete my 23andMe data?

Your genome contains personal data including ancestry, health predispositions, and familial connections. In bankruptcy, these immutable records could be sold to buyers with unknown privacy safeguards.

Can I reverse a deletion request?

No. Once you confirm “Permanently Delete All Records” via the confirmation email, the process is irreversible and your account is permanently closed.

What personal information does 23andMe keep?

To comply with legal retention requirements, 23andMe keeps some metadata about your account — including your account email, DOB, sex, a deletion-request record, and even communications “related to inquiries or complaints and legal agreements.”

When did 23andMe file for bankruptcy?

The company filed for Chapter 11 protection in late March 2025, citing weak kit sales and mounting operational costs. A reputational fallout from a 2023 data breach likely eroded profitability as well, all of which led to the restructuring move.

Who’s purchasing the company’s data assets?

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals won the auction with a $256 million bid. It intends to apply the data toward drug-development.

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