Currently, your data may already be shared with other companies. If you signed up to participate in research studies through 23andme, “de-identified” data about you (including genetic data) has likely been given to research institutions and pharma companies. For example, 23andme has a data licensing agreement with GSK (formerly GlaxoSmithKline) to use the 23andme database to “conduct drug target discovery and other research.”

This isn’t a possible future scenario, but rather the current operation of the business. Licensing agreements like these are a big part of how 23andme makes money. Or intends to make money. Or possibly once made money. They’re not doing so great at the money making thing these days.

Read more:

Skwarecki, B. (2024, October 7). How to Delete Your 23andme Data Amid the Company’s Turmoil. LifeHacker. https://lifehacker.com/health/how-to-delete-23andme-data