Welcome to opt-out. A semi-regular column that will help you navigate online privacy and show you how to say no to surveillance. In the final column, we covered how to stop tech companies spying on your phone, just as Trump promises to deport the public.
DNA testing company 23AndMe filed for bankruptcy after months of concern over its financial health and the ability to keep users’ genetic information safe. In light of the uncertainty looming about the future of the company, one thing needs to be done to protect today’s privacy. Delete your 23andMe account.
If you use this service to discover your ancestors via DNA, the highly sensitive information you share with 23andMe may be transferred to the company’s final buyer. 23AndMe has many privacy controls, but you will need to allow users to opt out of sharing data with scientific researchers or the company will remove the sample.
23Andme argues that new owners must comply with existing laws regarding the sale and use of consumer genetic data, but the reality in the US is that only a handful of states legally protect this type of personal information. In California, where this type of privacy protection exists, Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an urgent “consumer alert” encouraging Californians to delete their 23andMe data.
“In California, there is a robust privacy law that allows consumers to take control and require companies to delete genetic data,” Bonta said. “Given the financial distress reported by 23Andme, it reminds us to consider calling Californians their rights and instructing 23andMe to delete the data and destroy samples of genetic material held by the company.”
There is good reason for concern. 23Andme suffered a massive hack in 2023 affecting around 7 million users. The hackers first revealed that they were able to access information when they tried to sell what they claimed. Ashkenazi Jewish Descend and 100,000 Chinese Users At the popular hacking forum. In addition to a class action lawsuit that alleges that the company failed to inform users of data breach in a timely manner, the company said it is facing more than that. 50 Other Litigations A hack triggered. The issue is also international. The UK Intelligence Commission’s office issued an intention to fine the company earlier this month, which was £4.59 million.
If you are one of the 15m people who have already handed over your DNA to 23andMe, what can you do to protect your data?
Main things to do to protect your genetic privacy: Delete your account.
There are major precautions. The company says that even if you delete your account, you still need to keep the information in the archive. “23andMe and/or our contracted genotyping laboratory will retain the genetic information, date of birth and gender necessary to comply with applicable legal obligations.
If you are reading this and are trying to determine whether to do DNA testing with any of these private companies, don’t give the above warning. Depending on which state you are in, the data will not be completely erased.
That being said, it is worth the effort to delete your account and all of its data. Here’s how to do it: Go to Login, Settings and scroll to “23andMe Data”.[表示]Click and scroll to “Delete Data”.[データを永続的に削除]Click. You will receive an email from the company to confirm your request. (Please check your spam folder.) If you do not confirm it via the link provided in your email, the request will not complete.
The company says that when the account is deleted, it will “automatically opt out of the investigation and destroy the sample.”
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If you do not delete your account, opt out of sharing your data
If you want to keep a 23andMe account, the next best thing to do is have the sample disposed of, stop sharing information, and remove it from future research. You can also do this from the settings.
Stop sharing reports resulting from DNA testingscroll down and click “Privacy/Share” and[編集]Click. From there you should be able to adjust the sharing settings for the report.
To stop the company from sharing your DNA with future research projects, Return to Settings, scroll down to edit Research and Product Outlets and edit permissions.
These changes are not retroactive. Rescinding your consent to use DNA in your research will only stop your data from being used in new research; It may take up to 30 days.
If you have specific questions about your account information, you can also email Privacy@23andme.com.
Source: www.theguardian.com
