Ancestry collects your saliva and DNA data when you use a DNA kit, uses it to generate ancestry results, and may use or share it for research purposes if you separately consent to that.
This analysis describes what Ancestry'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
Genetic data is among the most sensitive personal information that exists — it reveals information about your health, ancestry, and biological relatives. Understanding how it is used and shared is critical before submitting a sample.
Interpretive note: The precise scope of research partner sharing and the legal basis for retaining saliva samples varies by jurisdiction and may be subject to additional constraints under state genetic privacy laws not fully detailed in the policy.
The updated Privacy Statement no longer displays a dedicated 'Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information' link in the footer, which was previously accessible to California residents under CCPA requirements. This link allowed users to exercise data-sharing opt-out rights. The footer now lists 'Consumer Health Privacy' as a separate item but does not explicitly direct users to their CCPA controls. California residents may need to locate their opt-out rights through alternative navigation paths on the Ancestry site.
View change record →The updated privacy policy removes the 'Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information' link from the footer navigation. This link previously provided direct access to Ancestry's data-sharing opt-out mechanism, which is a required disclosure under California's CCPA. While the removal does not eliminate the opt-out right itself, it may make the opt-out control less easily discoverable from the privacy policy page. Affected users may need to locate the opt-out mechanism through alternate navigation or search methods.
View change record →The updated Privacy Statement clarifies what uses of Ancestry services are permitted and prohibited, establishes that photo face-grouping in your gallery requires your express consent, and introduces SMS messaging as a communication channel for future opt-in communications. The statement now covers Ancestry, AncestryDNA, and Related Brands under a unified framework while noting that other services operated by the company use separate privacy statements. The removal of 'uploaded DNA data' from the account creation section reflects a narrowing of that specific provision's scope, though genetic information processing remains described elsewhere in the policy. You can review the full updated statement to understand how your personal information will be processed and manage your communication preferences when SMS opt-ins become available.
View change record →If you submit a DNA kit, Ancestry retains your saliva sample until you request its destruction and may use your genetic data for research if you have opted in to that separately. You can request destruction of your saliva sample and withdrawal of research consent at any time through account settings.
How other platforms handle this
to request that your data be transferred to a third party (data portability)
Your organization may allow you to access and export your data in order to back it up or transfer it to a service outside of Google.
To stop us collecting your location information, you can update your device settings, stop using the Service, or uninstall our mobile apps.
"When you purchase and activate a DNA kit, we collect a saliva sample from you. We use this sample to provide you with AncestryDNA results and to improve our products and services. We also store the saliva sample after the test is completed. You can request we destroy your saliva sample at any time. If you choose to participate in research, your DNA data may be used by us or shared with third-party research partners to conduct research.Excerpt from Ancestry's Privacy Statement
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Genetic data constitutes a special category of personal data under GDPR Article 9, requiring explicit consent as the legal basis for processing.
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Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find your state's direct complaint form
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Genetic data is among the most sensitive personal information that exists — it reveals information about your health, ancestry, and biological relatives. Understanding how it is used and shared is critical before submitting a sample.
If you submit a DNA kit, Ancestry retains your saliva sample until you request its destruction and may use your genetic data for research if you have opted in to that separately. You can request destruction of your saliva sample and withdrawal of research consent at any time through account settings.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 290 platforms. See the full comparison.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Ancestry.