Provision record
23andMe · 23andMe Terms of Service · View original document ↗

Medical Disclaimer and Research Use Limitation

Medium severity High confidence Explicit document language Unique · 0 of 352 platforms
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Document Record

What it is

The terms assert that all genetic information provided by 23andMe is for research, informational, and educational use only, that many reported findings have not been clinically validated, and that 23andMe does not endorse or warrant any course of action, product, or healthcare provider mentioned on its platform.

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

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This provision limits the scope of 23andMe's representations about the clinical applicability of its genetic reports and explicitly disclaims medical advisory or diagnostic function. These disclaimers are operationally significant in the context of liability for health-related decisions made in reliance on 23andMe results, and their enforceability may depend on how regulatory authorities classify the company's services.

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
5
Months Monitored
Jul 9, 2026
First Seen
Jul 9, 2026
Last Seen

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Under this clause, users are advised that genetic results are not clinically validated for diagnostic purposes, and the agreement states that reliance on 23andMe information for health decisions is at the user's own risk. The terms do not disclaim the company's California clinical laboratory license, but note that licensure is not universal across all jurisdictions.

Cross-platform context

See how other platforms handle Medical Disclaimer and Research Use Limitation and similar clauses.

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
Please note, the Genetic Information provided by 23andMe is for research, informational, and educational use only. This means two things: Many of the genetic discoveries that we report have not been clinically validated, and the technology we use, which is the same technology used by the research community, to date has not been widely used for clinical testing. Talk to your Healthcare provider. 23andMe does not endorse, warrant or guarantee the effectiveness of any specific course of action, resources, tests, physician or other healthcare providers, drugs, biologics, medical devices or other products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on our website.

Excerpt from 23andMe's Terms of Service

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: The FDA regulates laboratory developed tests and direct-to-consumer genetic tests; 23andMe has previously engaged with FDA oversight for specific health-related genetic reports.

Insight

Unlock the full institutional analysis

Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →
  • Department Of Health & Human Services, Office For Civil Rights (hhs Ocr)
    Enforces HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, which protect health information held by healthcare providers, health plans, and their business associates.
    Who can file: Anyone whose HIPAA rights may have been violated by a covered entity (healthcare provider, health plan, or healthcare clearinghouse)
    What you need: Name of the entity, description of the violation, date of the incident, and your contact information. Must file within 180 days of the violation.
    What to expect: HHS OCR investigates and may require the entity to take corrective action. Does not provide individual compensation. Serious violations can result in civil monetary penalties.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
23andMe Terms of Service
Entity
23andMe
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 11, 2026
Last verified
July 9, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-016451
Document ID
CA-D-00147
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
bddb92bc01773d87e5f6157d525fe0a08abb0e48becacc33725f316880d9f25e
Analysis generated
May 11, 2026 23:34 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: 23andMe
Document: 23andMe Terms of Service
Record ID: CA-P-016451
Captured: 2026-05-11 23:34:45 UTC
SHA-256: bddb92bc01773d87…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/23andme/23andme-terms-of-service/provision/CA-P-016451/medical-disclaimer-and-research-use-limitation/
Accessed: Sept. 8, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does 23andMe's Medical Disclaimer and Research Use Limitation clause do?

This provision limits the scope of 23andMe's representations about the clinical applicability of its genetic reports and explicitly disclaims medical advisory or diagnostic function. These disclaimers are operationally significant in the context of liability for health-related decisions made in reliance on 23andMe results, and their enforceability may depend on how regulatory authorities classify the company's services.

How does this clause affect you?

Under this clause, users are advised that genetic results are not clinically validated for diagnostic purposes, and the agreement states that reliance on 23andMe information for health decisions is at the user's own risk. The terms do not disclaim the company's California clinical laboratory license, but note that licensure is not universal across all jurisdictions.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with 23andMe?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by 23andMe.