Features like DNA Relatives, which match you with genetic relatives in 23andMe's database, are opt-in, meaning you control whether your data is used to identify and connect you with biological relatives.
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
Participating in DNA Relatives means your genetic profile is compared against other users' profiles and potential biological relatives are identified, which can surface unexpected family relationships including those involving donor conception, non-paternity, or previously unknown relatives, with significant personal implications.
Interpretive note: The full scope of what information is visible to matched relatives and the specific consent language presented at opt-in is not detailed in the document excerpt reviewed.
The updated privacy statement no longer explicitly directs users to a separate Medical Record Privacy Notice for telehealth services or explains that medical information collected through telehealth …
The updated privacy statement no longer explicitly discloses a separate Medical Record Privacy Notice that previously described how medical information is used, disclosed, and maintained for teleheal…
Enabling DNA Relatives allows 23andMe to match your genetic data against its full user database to identify biological relatives; this can reveal sensitive family information that cannot be unknown once discovered, and also makes your partial genetic profile visible to matched relatives.
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YOU MUST BE AND HEREBY AFFIRM THAT YOU ARE AN ADULT OF THE LEGAL AGE OF MAJORITY IN YOUR COUNTRY OR STATE OF RESIDENCE. If you are under the legal age of majority, your parent or legal guardian must consent to this agreement.
We rely upon you to obtain any consents from your friends and contacts that may be required by law to allow us to access, upload, and use their personal information for this purpose. You or your friends or contacts may reach us at privacy@draftkings.com to request the removal of this information fro...
California law gives residents the right to know what personal information we collect, use, share or sell; to delete personal information under certain circumstances; to opt-out of the sale or sharing of their personal information; to correct inaccurate personal information; to limit the use and dis...
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"You decide whether you want to participate in our sharing features, like DNA Relatives and Your Connections.— Excerpt from 23andMe's 23andMe Privacy Statement
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: The DNA Relatives feature involves sharing partial genetic profile information with third-party users (matched relatives), which may constitute a data disclosure under GDPR and CCPA. The consent mechanism for this feature is operationally critical; under GDPR, the sharing of genetic data with other identifiable individuals requires explicit consent and adequate transparency about what information is shared and with whom. The FTC's consumer protection framework applies to the adequacy of disclosures about this feature. GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: Medium. The feature is opt-in, which is a positive consent design element. However, the implications of the feature, including the possibility of discovering unexpected family relationships and the fact that matched relatives can see partial profile information, require careful disclosure to satisfy GDPR transparency requirements and avoid claims of unfair or deceptive practices. JURISDICTION FLAGS: EU/EEA users have GDPR rights regarding the sharing of their genetic data with other identified or identifiable individuals. California users have CCPA rights regarding disclosure of personal information to third parties. The emotional and social consequences of unexpected family discoveries through this feature may create additional exposure in jurisdictions with strong consumer protection frameworks. CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: The feature creates a user-to-user data sharing dynamic that is distinct from company-to-third-party sharing; governance frameworks should address what data is visible to matched relatives, what privacy controls exist for each participant, and how disputes about unwanted contact or disclosures are handled. COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: The consent and disclosure mechanisms for DNA Relatives should be reviewed to ensure users fully understand what information will be visible to matched relatives and what personal implications may arise. The opt-in design is consistent with best practices for sensitive data sharing, but the adequacy of the explanatory information provided at the point of consent should be evaluated.
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Participating in DNA Relatives means your genetic profile is compared against other users' profiles and potential biological relatives are identified, which can surface unexpected family relationships including those involving donor conception, non-paternity, or previously unknown relatives, with significant personal implications.
Enabling DNA Relatives allows 23andMe to match your genetic data against its full user database to identify biological relatives; this can reveal sensitive family information that cannot be unknown once discovered, and also makes your partial genetic profile visible to matched relatives.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by 23andMe.