The agreement states that users may elect whether their biological DNA sample is stored after laboratory processing, and that a choice to discard the sample is irreversible.
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
This provision establishes that the storage or destruction of biological genetic material is a one-time irreversible election, which affects users' ability to request future sample-based testing or retrieval of physical genetic material.
Interpretive note: The document does not disclose the storage duration, storage location, security standards applied, or conditions under which stored samples may be accessed beyond initial laboratory processing.
Under this provision, users who choose to discard their biological sample at the point of collection cannot reverse that decision; the sample is permanently destroyed after laboratory processing. Users who elect storage retain the option to later request discard, though that discard choice is also irreversible once made.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Biological Sample Storage Choice and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"You can choose to have your sample stored. If not, no problem. It will be securely destroyed after the laboratory completes its work. Note that a discard choice cannot be reversed.Excerpt from 23andMe's Privacy Statement
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision engages California GIPA requirements governing storage and destruction of genetic samples, as well as GDPR Article 9 requirements for processing biological samples as special category data.
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This provision establishes that the storage or destruction of biological genetic material is a one-time irreversible election, which affects users' ability to request future sample-based testing or retrieval of physical genetic material.
Under this provision, users who choose to discard their biological sample at the point of collection cannot reverse that decision; the sample is permanently destroyed after laboratory processing. Users who elect storage retain the option to later request discard, though that discard choice is also irreversible once made.
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