23andMe Breach Sparks Native Concerns Over DNA Sovereignty and Data Control

By Cherokee 411 Staff
Thousands of 23andMe users are pushing to delete their genetic data from the popular DNA testing service after a major data breach last year compromised sensitive personal information, including ancestral profiles, demographic details, and genetic connections.

The breach, revealed in October 2023, impacted nearly 7 million individuals and sparked a wave of lawsuits and criticism over the company’s handling of user privacy. While hackers exploited weak passwords to access accounts, critics say 23andMe failed to adequately protect interconnected family trees and opted-in features that allowed broader access to data.

Now, users are finding that removing their DNA data from the platform is anything but simple.

“I just want my information deleted, but it’s unclear if that’s even fully possible,” said one user who contacted 23andMe in the wake of the breach. “They have my DNA. That should come with serious protections.”

Although 23andMe allows users to request account deletion, the process has been criticized as opaque and difficult to navigate. Even after deletion, the company’s policy indicates that some genetic data may remain stored, especially if it’s been shared with third parties or included in aggregate research.

The situation has reignited debates over consumer rights in the age of genetic testing and biometric data, with lawmakers and privacy advocates calling for greater federal oversight. Genetic information is not as easily regulated as financial or medical data, leaving a gray area that companies like 23andMe have operated in for years.

For Native communities and people of color, concerns go even deeper. Some worry about how genetic data could be misused in the future—for law enforcement, commercial gain, or even political purposes.

“This breach isn’t just about personal privacy—it’s about long-term trust and sovereignty over your most fundamental data,” said a Native privacy advocate who has warned against widespread DNA testing without full transparency.

23andMe has said it is cooperating with law enforcement and improving its security protocols. However, for many users, the damage has already been done.