By The genetic testing service 23andMe has certainly been under fire over the years, including a data breach in 2023. Now, with the announcement that the company has filed for bankruptcy in the U.S., many current and former customers are concerned about what this means for their data—including how to delete 23andMe data and if it could be linked to other websites, like Ancestry.com. Keep reading to learn the answer, plus more about the AncestryDNA service.
The former partnership between Ancestry and 23andMe
In 2008, 23andMe and Ancestry.com teamed up to allow users the chance to get more detailed ancestral information based on DNA analysis. As part of the partnership, anyone using Ancestry.com’s DNA service was able to receive the same ancestry analysis provided on the 23andMe website. This gave users the ability “to trace their genetic lineage and discover the role that their ancestral origins have played in human history.”
Later that year, 23andMe debuted a new ancestry feature called Global Similarity: Advanced. The tool utilized DNA data to show users populations they were closely linked to genetically. It also gave users the chance to see where their ancestors likely lived in the world over the last 500 years.
Ancestry no longer uses 23andMe for its data collection. While little is known about when the original partnership ended, Ancestry and 23andMe likely went their separate ways when Ancestry.com launched AncestryDNA in 2012.
Does Ancestry use 23andMe now?
Despite this former partnership, the two companies have remained separate when it comes to DNA testing. Not only does AncestryDNA not use 23andMe data, but the genetic files aren’t even transferable between platforms.
According to FamilyTreeMagazine.com, the companies do not allow you to import your data file from testing done elsewhere. In other words, the DNA results and analysis are unique to each individual company.
However, three other genetic genealogy testing companies (FamilyTreeDNA, Living DNA and MyHeritage) allow you to transfer your DNA results for free.
A closer look at Ancestry DNA testing
The AncestryDNA kit starts at $99 and includes several features. The company’s website shares that users can discover their origins in more than 3,000 global locations and trace their ancestors’ journeys over the years.
It also offers the opportunity to use your DNA data to build a family tree—or combine it with any of the 130 million trees currently in the database.
Once you sign up, you’ll receive your kit along with instructions. Then, once you’ve registered and returned the necessary saliva sample, it will take around 6 weeks to receive results.
Though an Ancestry.com membership is not required to receive results, it does allow you to access more information, like DNA inheritance, a closer look at family trees and more.
Is it safe to use other DNA sites?
Using other DNA testing sites like AncestryDNA is generally considered safe, especially when compared to companies currently facing legal or financial trouble, like 23andMe. Ancestry has a strong track record of protecting customer privacy and data, offering users control over how their genetic information is stored, used, and shared. That said, no company is immune to potential data breaches, so it’s important to read the platform’s privacy policy, opt out of data sharing if desired and regularly review your account settings.
How to delete your DNA data after 23andMe’s bankruptcy
Those who have already utilized the testing services are also looking to delete their data before a new company can buy it.
CNN reports that this can be done via the following steps:
- Log into your account.
- Access the “Settings” section of your profile.
- Click on the “23andMe Data” button at the bottom of the page and select “View.”
- Download your data if desired.
- Scroll to the “Delete Data” section and click “Permanently Delete Data.”
