You can permanently delete your 23andMe account, which also removes you from Research and destroys your physical DNA sample, but this action is irreversible and cannot be undone.
This analysis describes what 23andMe's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The policy grants users a meaningful deletion right that includes destruction of the physical biological sample, but the irreversibility of the action means users who delete cannot recover their data or sample, and data already shared with third parties before deletion is not affected.
Previous version had empty excerpt; current version now provides specific language about automatic opt-out from Research and irreversible sample discard upon account deletion.
View full change record →Account deletion triggers automatic opt-out from Research participation and physical sample discard, but the policy states the process cannot be cancelled or reversed, meaning users who delete lose access to all genetic reports and cannot restore their account or biological sample.
How other platforms handle this
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If you registered to use Notion's Services with such an email address, but you do not use the Services in connection with your organization...you may transfer your account to a different email address.
"You can delete your 23andMe account any time. If you do, we will automatically opt you out of Research and discard your sample. Keep in mind this process cannot be cancelled or reversed.Excerpt from 23andMe's Privacy Statement
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: The account deletion mechanism is relevant to GDPR Article 17 right to erasure, CCPA deletion rights under California law, and the California Genetic Information Privacy Act.
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The policy grants users a meaningful deletion right that includes destruction of the physical biological sample, but the irreversibility of the action means users who delete cannot recover their data or sample, and data already shared with third parties before deletion is not affected.
Account deletion triggers automatic opt-out from Research participation and physical sample discard, but the policy states the process cannot be cancelled or reversed, meaning users who delete lose access to all genetic reports and cannot restore their account or biological sample.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 289 platforms. See the full comparison.
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