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Attorney General James Urges 23AndMe Customers to
Contact Company to Delete Data
Published: March 25, 2025 at
02:15 p.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS Attorney General
CONSUMER
ALERT:
Attorney General James Urges 23AndMe Customers to Contact Company to
Delete Data
After 23AndMe Filed for Bankruptcy, AG James Reminds
Customers They Have a Right to Delete Their Genetic Data and Destroy DNA
Samples
NEW YORK – New
York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert to
customers of 23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, urging
them to take action to protect their data. 23andMe collects and analyzes
people’s genetic code and uses DNA samples to help people trace their
ancestry or detect personal health risks, among other factors. The company
filed for bankruptcy and announced plans to sell its assets. Due to the
trove of sensitive consumer data 23andMe has amassed, Attorney General
James would like to remind New Yorkers that they are able to request that
23andMe delete their personal data and destroy any samples of genetic
material held by the company.
“New Yorkers’
genetic data is sensitive information that must be protected at all costs,”
said Attorney General James. “23andMe’s bankruptcy announcement
is concerning and I am urging New Yorkers to take action to safeguard their
data. New Yorkers can follow instructions offered by my office to delete
their data or destroy any DNA samples held by 23andMe. Anyone experiencing
issues deleting their information stored with 23andMe should contact my
office.”
Attorney General
James is offering New Yorkers tips on how to delete their data that is
stored with 23andMe or destroy test samples. Consumers can delete their
account and personal information by taking the following steps:
- 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’ll receive an email
from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion
request.
If you previously
opted to have your saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe, but want to
change that preference, you can do so from your account settings page,
under “Preferences.”
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
page, under “Research and Product Consents.”
Attorney General
James encourages New Yorkers who experience issues deleting their data with
23andMe to contact her office by filing a complaint online.
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