Que Pasó Con Mis Datos? Here is how to delete your 23andMe Data
The Washington Post is reporting that 23andMe, the company that had us all spitting into test tubes a decade ago and telling us that we were related to random people in other parts of the world, may allegedly have some issues. It’s being reported that they have filed for bankruptcy.
If this is the case, then problem with it is huge, especially around privacy, especially since the company has my data, and your data – and it’s critical info, as in our genetic codes. The topic of bio data security is also very important to Hispanic users of health tools.
Even the California Attorney General has stepped in to warn users to consider deleting their info before it possibly ends up in someone else’s hands during a sale or restructuring.
You may be wondering why it matters that data around your caffeine sensitivity or that you’re better off as a vegan girlie is out there on the web – and what does the 23andMe bankruptcy mean for the Hispanic community.
Your health could be owned by another country
For one, any country that buys the company will have full access to this genetic data, which could then be stored, analyzed, and shared with little transparency or oversight. Other countries don’t have the level of privacy protection that we do. Without getting too sci-fi, some countries could even develop bio-weapons designed to affect certain populations more than others. What’s more, if this data is tied to facial recognition, biometric systems, or family mapping they can use this data to track you or your family members. How very Tom Cruise in Minority Report!
Your DNA is your fingerprint
Your DNA is the ultimate personal identifier. Unlike a password, you can’t change it. If it’s exposed or sold, you can’t take it back. If it gets caught in the dark web in particular, there is no turning back, and who knows what can be done with details about your biology and risk of disease and illness.
You can be discriminated against
DNA privacy is very important for Latinos. From insurance premiums, to employment, there are many ways that having your genetic data for everyone to read can be dangerous to your livelihood. Imagine if insurance companies start to scrape your risk for diabetes or heart disease and use that to jack up your rates. Or, imagine a future when you can be denied a job because you have certain genes that put you at risk for certain illnesses or mental disorders. You may not have the same rights as citizens if you were a permanent resident and not yet a citizen. I know that seems far off now, pero uno nunca sabe.
Hackers can get access to your life
23andMe was in fact hacked in 2023, when the data of 7 million people was exposed (maybe including yours). These evildoers accessed profiles, ancestry details, and how people were genetically related. Some hackers even sold the stolen data based on ethnic backgrounds (like Ashkenazi Jewish or Chinese ancestry), which is particularly spooky given fears about ethnic profiling and even geopolitical misuse. Passwords were also easily guessed when birth years were found, and bio data security concerns particularly for Hispanic users.
Big Pharm companies can use your data for research
Companies that get access to your data can sell access to your data for pharmaceutical research or marketing. Can you imagine being part of a research study without opting in?
If you’ve used 23andMe and want to delete your data, use the steps below to log into your account, go to settings, and request to remove your info. They say they’ll toss your spit sample too, though they might keep some data for legal reasons.
So, if you’re not feeling great about your DNA being part of someone’s asset sheet, this week is a good time to clean house.
Here is how to delete your 23andme data (with photos):
- Sign into your 23andMe account
- Head over to your profile and open the settings menu.
3. Scroll all the way down until you find the section labeled “23andMe Data.” Click on View to access your data options.
4. If you’d like to keep a copy of your info before deleting, choose the data you want to download (I downloaded as much of mine as I could, but keep in mind, some of it you’ll have to wait 30 days to get it; I recommend you don’t wait lol).
5. Then, look for the option to remove your information—it’ll say something like Permanently Delete Data. Click it.
6. You’ll get a confirmation email. Open it and click the link to finalize the deletion. Do not forget to click!
And that’s it; your data, gone for good (aside from what they’re legally required to keep).
