{"id":658972,"date":"2025-03-27T00:50:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T21:50:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/can-eu-and-uk-laws-protect-your-dna-data\/"},"modified":"2025-03-27T00:50:20","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T21:50:20","slug":"can-eu-and-uk-laws-protect-your-dna-data","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/can-eu-and-uk-laws-protect-your-dna-data\/","title":{"rendered":"Can EU and UK laws protect your DNA data?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a295080355dc\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a295080355dc\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/can-eu-and-uk-laws-protect-your-dna-data\/#The_23andMe_track_record\" >The 23andMe track record<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/can-eu-and-uk-laws-protect-your-dna-data\/#How_to_delete_your_23andMe_data\" >How to delete your 23andMe data<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img-cdn.tnwcdn.com\/image?fit=796%2C417&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn0.tnwcdn.com%2Fwp-content%2Fblogs.dir%2F1%2Ffiles%2F2025%2F03%2FUntitled-design-49.jpg&amp;signature=d0d4dd6035ae4e8f43154094db5f81c0\" \/><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-main-content\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">San Francisco-based 23andMe, which sells at-home DNA testing kits, has filed for bankruptcy in the US and is looking for a new buyer \u2014 heightening concerns about the personal data of millions of people.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23andMe experienced a major data breach in 2023, which exposed personal information like family trees, birth years, and geographic locations of <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>roximately half of the company\u2019s 15 million users.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, with the company sinking, 23andMe customers are considering deleting their accounts amid fears of another hack or changes to the company\u2019s privacy controls under a new owner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the EU and the UK, 23andMe users are covered by versions of the GDPR. The Information Commissioner\u2019s Office (ICO), Britain\u2019s data privacy watchdog, stresses that despite the insolvency, customers remain protected by the same data privacy laws.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"inarticle-wrapper channel-cta\">\n<div class=\"ica-text\">\n<p class=\"ica-text__title\">3 free tickets to TNW Conference? Get them now!<\/p>\n<p>For a limited time, groups can get up to three extra free tickets! Book now and increase your visibility and connections at TNW Conference<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAs a matter of UK law, the protections and restrictions of the UK GDPR continue to apply and 23andMe remains under an obligation to protect the personal information of its customers,\u201d said Stephen Bonner, the ICO\u2019s deputy commissioner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the ICO has previously ruled that 23andMe may have violated its privacy rules.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_23andMe_track_record\"><\/span>The 23andMe track record<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the 2023 breach, the ICO and the Privacy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Commissioner of Canada<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> launched a joint investigation into 23andMe. Earlier this month, the ICO issued a notice of intent to fine the company \u00a34.59mn ($5.93mn). <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cGenetic information is among the most sensitive personal data that a person can entrust to a company[,] and organisations handling such data are required to uphold a very high standard of security and governance in accordance with [the law],\u201d Bonner said in response to the bankruptcy filing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the US, meanwhile, the legal protections vary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While users in the UK and EU have GDPR protections, data privacy laws in the US are less comprehensive and vary considerably from state to state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23andMe claims that the company does not share the personal or medical information of any of its customers without consent. Yet with 23andMe\u2019s track record, neither the company\u2019s assurances nor legal protections may quell customers\u2019 fears. During bankruptcy proceedings, the company may also have fewer resources at its disposal to fight off hackers. And under new ownership, things look even more uncertain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to 23andMe\u2019s own <\/span><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.23andme.com\/legal\/privacy\/full-version\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">privacy statement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, if the company undergoes bankruptcy, merger, acquisition, reorganisation, or sale of assets,\u00a0 \u201cyour Personal Information may be accessed, sold or transferred as part of that transaction.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_delete_your_23andMe_data\"><\/span>How to delete your 23andMe data<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given the sensitivity of the data people have shared with 23andMe, the previous breach, and the company\u2019s financial problems, customers may decide to just delete their data entirely. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">California Attorney <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/general\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"3\" title=\"General\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">General<\/a> Rob Bonta has <\/span><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/oag.ca.gov\/news\/press-releases\/attorney-general-bonta-urgently-issues-consumer-alert-23andme-customers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">urged<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> them to do just that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI remind Californians to consider invoking their rights and directing 23andMe to delete their data and destroy any samples of genetic material held by the company,\u201d Bonta said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Users in Europe, meanwhile, have the \u201cright to erasure,\u201d which allows individuals to request that 23andMe deletes their personal data and destroys any medical samples in the company\u2019s possession.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s how to do it:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">L<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">og in to your account and go to \u201cSettings,\u201d then scroll to \u201c23andMe Data\u201d and click \u201cView.\u201d <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">From there, select \u201cDelete Data,\u201d confirm your request, and your data will be permanently removed. You can also download a copy of your genetic data before deleting it.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To delete your test sample, go to \u201cSettings,\u201d then \u201cPreferences,\u201d where you can manage your options.\u00a0<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><em>Europe\u2019s tech regulations will come under the microscope at <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/41IbD3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">TNW Conference<\/a>, <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tickets\u00a0for the event are <\/span><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/4hueZwX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">now on sale<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Use the code TNWX<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/social-mediaa\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"1\" title=\"Social Media\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MEDIA<\/a>2025 at the check-out to get 30% off the price tag.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMN63nwsw68G3Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/category\/technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" >Technology category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/news\/how-to-delete-your-23andme-data\" target=\"_blank\" >Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>San Francisco-based 23andMe, which sells at-home DNA testing kits, has filed for bankruptcy in the US and is looking for a new buyer \u2014 heightening concerns about the personal data of millions of people.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 23andMe experienced a major data breach in 2023, which exposed personal information like family trees, birth years, and geographic locations of&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":658973,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/img-cdn.tnwcdn.com\/image\/tnw-blurple?filter_last=1&fit=1280%2C640&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn0.tnwcdn.com%2Fwp-content%2Fblogs.dir%2F1%2Ffiles%2F2025%2F03%2FUntitled-design-49.jpg&signature=a35dd22c764d457b7550e5b352d18ae0","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-658972","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/658972","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=658972"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/658972\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/658973"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=658972"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=658972"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=658972"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}