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This page describes what the document states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability may vary by jurisdiction. Methodology
These Terms set the rules for using 23andMe's Services: you must be at least 18, you cannot be an insurance company or employer, and you can only submit your own sample or one you are legally authorized to provide. The genetic information you receive is for informational and educational purposes only — not for medical decisions. If your sample fails processing twice, your only remedy is a partial refund; continued use after any terms update means you accept the new terms.
This document establishes the binding conditions under which users may access 23andMe's Services, including affirmative representations users must make at the point of use (minimum age of 18, exclusion of insurance companies and employers, and restrictions on sample authorization), categorical prohibitions on investigative forensic genealogy use, and a limitation of Genetic Information to research, informational, and educational purposes only. The Terms define a structured remedial framework for processing failures: no refund attaches to known processing Errors, a breach of policy eliminates both reprocessing and refund remedies on resubmission, and two failed attempts entitle the user solely and exclusively to a refund of the amount paid less shipping and handling with no further sample kits issued. 23andMe discloses that its data analysis activities may lead to or include commercialization with third parties, and that research participation is voluntary and governed by an Institutional Review Board-approved consent document. Continued use of the Services following any revision to the Terms constitutes binding acceptance of those revised Terms.
As an individual user, you are bound by these Terms the moment you continue to use the Services after any revision — no separate signature is required. Your genetic results are restricted to research, informational, and educational use and are explicitly not for determining your current health status or guiding medication decisions. If processing fails twice, your sole remedy is a refund of the purchase price minus shipping and handling; no additional sample kits will be sent. Research participation is voluntary and only occurs under a consent document approved by an Institutional Review Board, meaning you have the ability to decide separately whether to participate in research.
Which mapped governance frameworks each document engages, tied to the specific provisions that engage them.
Every distinct legal provision identified in this document. Featured provisions appear above with analysis.
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