# 23andMe

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{{Short description|American personal genomics company}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox company
| name = 23andMe Research Institute
| logo = 23andMe logo.svg
| logo_alt = 23andMe Logo
| image = 23andmeheadquarters.jpg
| image_caption = Former headquarters in [Sunnyvale, California](/source/Sunnyvale%2C_California)
| type = [Nonprofit public benefit corporation](/source/Nonprofit_organization) ([501(c)(3)](/source/501(c)(3)))
| website = {{URL|23andme.com}}
| foundation = {{start date and age|2006|04}}
| founders = {{Unbulleted list|[Linda Avey](/source/Linda_Avey)|Paul Cusenza|[Anne Wojcicki](/source/Anne_Wojcicki)}}
| location_city = [Palo Alto, California](/source/Palo_Alto%2C_California)
| industry = {{Unbulleted list|[Biotechnology](/source/Biotechnology)|[Genetic genealogy](/source/Genetic_genealogy)}}
| products = {{ubl|[Direct-to-consumer](/source/Direct-to-consumer_advertising) [personal genome](/source/Human_genome) testing|[Mobile application](/source/Mobile_application)}}
| services = {{ubl|[Genetic testing](/source/Genetic_testing)|[Genealogical DNA testing](/source/Genealogical_DNA_testing)|[Medical research](/source/Medical_research)}}
| owner = TTAM Research Institute
}}
'''23andMe Research Institute''' is an American [personal genomics](/source/personal_genomics) and [biotechnology](/source/biotechnology) nonprofit public benefit company based in [Palo Alto, California](/source/Palo_Alto%2C_California). It provides a [direct-to-consumer genetic testing](/source/direct-to-consumer_genetic_testing) service in which customers submit a [saliva sample](/source/saliva_testing) that is laboratory analysed using [single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping](/source/SNP_genotyping)<ref name=Wired2007/> to generate reports on the customer's ancestry and genetic predispositions to health-related conditions. The company's name is derived from the 23 pairs of [chromosome](/source/chromosome)s in a [diploid](/source/diploid) human [cell](/source/cell_(biology)).<ref name="Facts">{{cite web|title=Fact Sheet|url=http://mediacenter.23andme.com/fact-sheet/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119085732/http://mediacenter.23andme.com/fact-sheet/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 19, 2013|publisher=23andMe|access-date=November 27, 2013}}</ref>

Founded in 2006, 23andMe was the first company to offer [autosomal](/source/autosomal) DNA testing for ancestry, an approach now used across the industry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Autosomal SNP comparison chart - ISOGG Wiki |url=https://isogg.org/wiki/Autosomal_SNP_comparison_chart |access-date=2022-09-04 |website=isogg.org |language=en}}</ref> Its saliva-based genetic testing service was named "Invention of the Year" by ''[Time](/source/Time_(magazine))'' in 2008.<ref name="Time" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=Janzen |first1=Tim |title=Autosomal DNA testing comparison chart |publisher=Gene by Gene |chapter=Family Tree DNA Learning Center |display-authors=et al. |chapter-url=https://isogg.org/wiki/Autosomal_DNA_testing_comparison_chart}}</ref> The company had an early confrontational relationship with the [Food and Drug Administration](/source/Food_and_Drug_Administration) (FDA) over its health-related tests, which were suspended in the US from late 2013 until October 2015, when the FDA began granting approvals for specific carrier status and genetic risk reports.<ref name="Herper">{{cite news|last=Herper|first=Matthew|title=23andMe Stops Offering Genetic Tests Related to Health|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewherper/2013/12/05/23andme-stops-offering-genetic-tests-related-to-health/|access-date=December 6, 2013|newspaper=Forbes|date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209053629/http://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewherper/2013/12/05/23andme-stops-offering-genetic-tests-related-to-health/|archive-date=February 9, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Pollack">{{Cite news|title=23andMe Will Resume Giving Users Health Data |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/21/business/23andme-will-resume-giving-users-health-data.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 21, 2015 |access-date=October 21, 2015 |issn=0362-4331 |first=Andrew |last=Pollack |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304162116/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/21/business/23andme-will-resume-giving-users-health-data.html?_r=1 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Products including both ancestry and health-related components have been available in Canada since October 2014<ref name="Ubelacker">{{cite news|last1=Ubelacker|first1=Sheryl|title=U.S. company launches genetic health and ancestry info service in Canada|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/us-company-launches-genetic-health-and-ancestry-info-service-in-canada-277718411.html|access-date=October 7, 2014|work=Winnipeg Free Press|agency=The Canadian Press|date=October 1, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Hansen">{{cite news|last1=Hansen|first1=Darah|title=5Q: Anne Wojcicki, CEO 23andMe on knowing your DNA data (and being married to the boss of Google)|url=https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/5q--anne-wojcicki--ceo-23andme-on-knowing-your-dna-data--and-being-married-to-the-boss-of-google-203324408.html|access-date=October 7, 2014|work=Yahoo Finance Canada|date=October 2, 2014}}</ref><ref name="CBCNews">{{cite news|title=23andme genetic testing service raises ethical questions|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/23andme-genetic-testing-service-raises-ethical-questions-1.2785522|access-date=October 7, 2014|work=CBC News|date=October 2, 2014}}</ref> and in the UK since December 2014.<ref name="Roberts">{{cite news|last1=Roberts|first1=Michelle|last2=Rincon|first2=Paul|title=Controversial DNA test comes to UK|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30285581|access-date=December 2, 2014|work=BBC News|date=December 2, 2014}}</ref>

23andMe went public in 2021 through a merger with a [special-purpose acquisition company](/source/special-purpose_acquisition_company) (SPAC), reaching a peak market capitalisation of approximately US$6&nbsp;billion.<ref name="Winkler 2024">{{cite news |last=Winkler |first=Rolfe |title=23andMe's Fall From $6 Billion to Nearly $0 |url=https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/23andme-anne-wojcicki-healthcare-stock-913468f4 |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=31 January 2024}}</ref> By 2024, its valuation had fallen to roughly 2% of that peak.<ref name="Winkler 2024"/> In March 2025, the company filed for [Chapter 11 bankruptcy](/source/Chapter_11%2C_Title_11%2C_United_States_Code) and CEO [Anne Wojcicki](/source/Anne_Wojcicki) resigned.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-24 |title=23andMe files for bankruptcy protection |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9q4r9xy9wro |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> The [attorney general of California](/source/Attorney_General_of_California) issued a consumer alert due to privacy concerns surrounding the sensitive genetic data held by the company.<ref>{{Cite news |title=23andMe is filing for bankruptcy. Here's what it means for your genetic data |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/03/24/nx-s1-5338622/23andme-bankruptcy-genetic-data-privacy |access-date=2025-04-13 |work=NPR |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-21 |title=Attorney General Bonta Urgently Issues Consumer Alert for 23andMe Customers |url=https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-urgently-issues-consumer-alert-23andme-customers |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General |language=en}}</ref>

Following a contested bankruptcy auction, TTAM Research Institute—a nonprofit public benefit corporation founded by Wojcicki—outbid [Regeneron Pharmaceuticals](/source/Regeneron_Pharmaceuticals) and acquired substantially all of 23andMe's assets for $305&nbsp;million.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Seal |first=Rolfe Winkler and Dean |title=Regeneron to Buy 23andMe Out of Bankruptcy for $256 Million |url=https://www.wsj.com/tech/biotech/regeneron-to-buy-23andme-out-of-bankruptcy-for-256-million-a1f27eff |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=WSJ |date=May 19, 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Capoot |first=Ashley |date=2025-06-13 |title=Anne Wojcicki to buy back 23andMe and its data for $305 million |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/13/anne-wojcicki-to-buy-back-23andme-and-its-data-for-305-million.html |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> TTAM completed the purchase on July 14, 2025, and the company continues to operate as a nonprofit under TTAM's ownership.<ref name="TTAM-complete">{{Cite press release|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/14/3114916/0/en/TTAM-Research-Institute-A-Nonprofit-Public-Benefit-Corporation-Completes-The-Acquisition-of-23andMe-Assets.html|title=TTAM Research Institute, A Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation, Completes The Acquisition of 23andMe Assets|work=GlobeNewswire|date=July 14, 2025 |access-date=2025-08-20|language=en}}</ref>

As of February 2024, 23andMe had genotyped more than 14&nbsp;million individuals,<ref name="Guardian-14m">{{cite news |last1=Demopoulos |first1=Alaina |date=17 February 2024 |title='There are no serious safeguards': can 23andMe be trusted with our DNA? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/feb/17/23andme-dna-data-security-finance |work=The Guardian}}</ref> and its research database has contributed to hundreds of peer-reviewed publications across areas including [Parkinson's disease](/source/Parkinson's_disease), [depression](/source/Major_depressive_disorder), [COVID-19](/source/COVID-19), autoimmune diseases, and [pharmacogenomics](/source/pharmacogenomics).

== History ==

=== Founding and early growth (2006–2017) ===
[Linda Avey](/source/Linda_Avey), Paul Cusenza, and [Anne Wojcicki](/source/Anne_Wojcicki) founded 23andMe in 2006 to offer [genetic testing](/source/genetic_testing) and interpretation to individuals.<ref name="Wired2007">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/medtech/genetics/magazine/15-12/ff_genomics?currentPage=all|title=23AndMe Will Decode Your DNA for $1,000. Welcome to the Age of Genomics|last=Goetz|first=Thomas|access-date=April 5, 2012|date=November 17, 2007|magazine=[Wired](/source/Wired_(magazine))|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312001152/http://www.wired.com/medtech/genetics/magazine/15-12/ff_genomics?currentPage=all|archive-date=March 12, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Investment documents from 2007 suggest that 23andMe also intended to develop a database for research purposes.<ref>{{cite news|title=All those 23andMe spit tests were part of a bigger plan firm|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-11-04/23andme-to-use-dna-tests-to-make-cancer-drugs}}</ref> In 2007, [Google](/source/Google) invested $3.9&nbsp;million in the company, along with [Genentech](/source/Genentech), [New Enterprise Associates](/source/New_Enterprise_Associates), and Mohr Davidow Ventures.<ref>{{cite news|title=Google invests in genetics firm|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6682451.stm|work=[BBC](/source/BBC) News|date=May 22, 2007|access-date=June 28, 2007}}</ref> Wojcicki and Google co-founder [Sergey Brin](/source/Sergey_Brin) were married at the time.<ref name=Hansen/>

Cusenza left the company in 2007 and Avey departed in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wishart-Smith |first=Heather |title=23andHim: The Untold Story Of 23andMe's Third Co-Founder |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/heatherwishartsmith/2024/06/25/23andhim-the-untold-story-of-23andmes-third-co-founder/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>

In 2012, 23andMe raised $50&nbsp;million in a Series D [venture round](/source/venture_round), nearly doubling its total capital of $52.6&nbsp;million.<ref name="Tsotsis">{{cite web |last=Tsotsis |first=Alexia |date=December 11, 2012 |title=Another $50M Richer, 23andMe Drops Its Price To $99 Permanently. But Will The Average Dude Buy In? |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/12/11/23andnotme/ |access-date=December 12, 2012 |work=[TechCrunch](/source/TechCrunch) |publisher=AOL}}</ref> In 2015, a $115&nbsp;million Series E round brought total capital to $241&nbsp;million.<ref name="Pollack" /> By late 2017, the company had raised approximately $250&nbsp;million at a $1.75&nbsp;billion valuation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lynley |first1=Matthew |last2=Roof |first2=Katie |date=September 6, 2017 |title=23andMe hits $1.5B pre-money valuation in latest huge funding round |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/06/23andme-hits-1-5b-pre-money-valuation-in-latest-huge-funding-round/ |work=[TechCrunch](/source/TechCrunch)}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Prashad |first1=Spencer |last2=Srikanthan |first2=Shan |title=23andMe: Building a Genetically-Sound Company |url=http://iveybusinessreview.ca/cms/6346/23andme-building-genetically-sound-company/ |work=Ivey Business Review |date=April 9, 2018 |access-date=June 8, 2018 |archive-date=September 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913154457/http://iveybusinessreview.ca/cms/6346/23andme-building-genetically-sound-company/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== GlaxoSmithKline partnership (2018–2023) ===
On July 25, 2018, 23andMe announced a partnership with [GlaxoSmithKline](/source/GlaxoSmithKline) (GSK) in which GSK would use data from consenting customers to support drug development, investing $300&nbsp;million in the company.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fox |first=Maggie |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/drug-giant-glaxo-teams-dna-testing-company-23andme-n894531 |title=Drug giant Glaxo teams up with DNA testing company 23andMe |work=[NBC News](/source/NBC_News) |date=July 25, 2018 |access-date=July 26, 2018 }}</ref> In January 2022, the partnership was extended until July 2023 with an additional $50&nbsp;million payment.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Ron |last=Leuty |title=23andMe is getting $50M from GSK to extend their research partnership |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2022/01/18/23andme-gets-50m-from-gsk-to-extend-research-deal.html |access-date=2022-05-08 |website=Silicon Valley Business Journal |date=January 18, 2022 }}</ref> In July 2020, the partnership produced its first clinical trial: a jointly developed cancer therapy.<ref name="PRJuly29">{{cite press release|title=23andMe and GSK Begin First Clinical Trial with Cancer Therapy|url=https://blog.23andme.com/news/23andme-and-gsk-clinical-trial/|publisher=23andMe|date=2020-07-29|access-date=2020-08-03}}</ref>

=== Going public and Lemonaid acquisition (2020–2021) ===
The company was based in [Mountain View, California](/source/Mountain_View%2C_California), initially in North Bayshore and then downtown,<ref>{{cite news |first=Nathan |last=Donato-Weinstein |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2014/09/22/23ande-snags-new-hq-in-downtown-mountain-view.html |title=23andMe snags new HQ in downtown Mountain View |website=Silicon Valley Business Journal |date=September 23, 2014 |orig-date=September 22, 2014 |access-date=October 20, 2024 }}</ref> until 2019, when it moved to larger headquarters in [Sunnyvale](/source/Sunnyvale%2C_California).<ref>{{cite news |first=Grace |last=Lopez |url=https://www.costar.com/article/1164549281/23andme-signs-lease-at-new-silicon-valley-hq |title=23andMe Signs Lease at New Silicon Valley HQ |website=CoStar |date=October 3, 2019 |access-date=October 20, 2024 }}</ref><ref name=Sunnyvale>{{cite news |url=https://therealdeal.com/sanfrancisco/2022/06/10/23andme-shrinks-with-hq-move-to-south-sf/ |title=23andMe shrinks with HQ move to South SF |website=The Real Deal |date=June 10, 2022 |access-date=October 20, 2024 }}</ref> In January 2020, 23andMe laid off about 100 employees in its consumer testing division.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/23/23andme-lays-off-100-people-ceo-anne-wojcicki-explains-why.html|title=23andMe lays off 100 people as DNA test sales decline, CEO says she was 'surprised' to see market turn|last=Farr|first=Christina|date=2020-01-23|website=CNBC|access-date=2020-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Catherine |last=Ho |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/23andMe-lays-off-14-of-workforce-amid-slowdown-14999513.php |title=23andMe lays off 14% of workforce amid slowdown in DNA testing market |newspaper=[San Francisco Chronicle](/source/San_Francisco_Chronicle) |date=January 23, 2020 |access-date=October 20, 2024 }}</ref>

In December 2020, the company raised approximately $82.5&nbsp;million in a Series F round, bringing total funding to over $850&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Etherington |first1=Darrell |date=December 29, 2020 |title=23andMe raises $82.5 million in new funding |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/12/29/23andme-raises-82-5-million-in-new-funding/ |work=[Techcrunch](/source/Techcrunch)}}</ref> In February 2021, 23andMe announced a merger with Sir [Richard Branson](/source/Richard_Branson)'s [special-purpose acquisition company](/source/special-purpose_acquisition_company), VG Acquisition Corp, in a $3.5&nbsp;billion transaction.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-04/23andme-to-go-public-as-3-5-billion-company-via-branson-merger|title=23andMe Goes Public as $3.5 Billion Company With Branson Aid|date=2021-02-04|website=[Bloomberg](/source/Bloomberg_L.P.)|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-04}}</ref> The merger closed in June 2021; the combined entity, renamed 23andMe Holding Co., began trading on the [Nasdaq](/source/Nasdaq) under the ticker symbol "ME".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://23andme.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/23andme-successfully-closes-its-business-combination-vg|title=23andMe Successfully Closes its Business Combination with VG Acquisition Corp.|date=2021-06-17|website=23andMe |type=press release}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Eric |last=Rosenbaum |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/17/gene-testing-firm-23andme-trades-higher-after-branson-spac-merger-.html |title=Genetic testing company 23andMe rises in first trade after Richard Branson SPAC merger |website=CNBC |date=June 17, 2021 |access-date=October 20, 2024 }}</ref>

In October 2021, 23andMe acquired Lemonaid Health, a [telehealth](/source/telehealth) company, for $400&nbsp;million, with the deal closing in November.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/telehealth/23andme-will-spend-400m-acquire-lemonaid-health|author=John Commins|title=23andME Will Spend $400M To Acquire Lemonaid Health|date=October 26, 2021|work=Health Leaders Media}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://apnews.com/press-release/globe-newswire/technology-science-health-2740786c803b0c219daa538a951f64d8 |title=23andMe Reports FY2022 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Results |via=[AP News](/source/AP_News) |date=26 May 2022}}</ref>

=== Decline and bankruptcy (2022–2025) ===
After reaching a market capitalisation of approximately $6&nbsp;billion following its public listing, 23andMe's valuation fell sharply; by early 2024 it stood at roughly 2% of its peak.<ref name="Winkler 2024" /> Contributing factors included the company's persistent lack of profitability and the absence of recurring revenue from its one-time DNA test kits.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Capoot |first=Ashley |date=2024-02-08 |title=23andMe considers splitting up company to revive stock price |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/08/23andme-considers-splitting-up-company-to-revive-stock-price-.html |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>

Wojcicki made several attempts to take the company private. An initial bid of $2.53 per share in February 2024 did not proceed.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last1=Capoot |first1=Ashley |last2=Cnbc • • |date=2025-03-03 |title=23andMe special committee again rejects CEO Wojcicki's take-private offer |url=https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/business/money-report/23andme-special-committee-again-rejects-ceo-wojcickis-take-private-offer/4123772/ |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=NBC10 Philadelphia |language=en-US}}</ref> In July 2024, she offered 40&nbsp;cents per share for all outstanding shares not already owned by her,<ref name=Reuters>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/23andme-ceo-wojcicki-no-longer-open-third-party-takeover-proposals-filing-shows-2024-09-30/ |title=23andMe CEO Wojcicki no longer open to third-party takeover proposals, filing shows |website=[Reuters](/source/Reuters) |date=September 30, 2024 |access-date=October 20, 2024 }}</ref> but a special committee of the board rejected the proposal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://investors.23andme.com/news-releases/news-release-details/23andme-special-committee-responds-ceos-take-private-proposal |title=23andMe Special Committee responds to CEO's take-private proposal |publisher=23andMe |type=press release |date=August 2, 2024 |access-date=October 20, 2024 }}</ref> In September 2024, all seven independent board members resigned.<ref name="CNN">{{Cite news |last=Morrow |first=Allison |date=2024-09-20 |title=What happened to 23andMe? |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/20/business/23andme-board-resigns-nightcap/index.html |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=CNN Business}}</ref> The company subsequently filed with the [SEC](/source/Securities_and_Exchange_Commission) indicating it was no longer open to third-party acquisition offers.<ref name=Reuters/> Users attempting to delete their genetic data discovered that the company retained it for three years to comply with legal obligations.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Purtill |first1=James |date=16 October 2024 |title=As 23andMe faces bankruptcy, your genetic data could be sold to highest bidder |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2024-10-17/23andme-genetic-data-privacy-bankrupt-dna-test-ancestry/104455816 |access-date=17 January 2025 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> Further layoffs followed in November 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-24 |title=23andMe files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as co-founder and CEO Wojcicki resigns |url=https://apnews.com/article/23andme-chapter-11-bankruptcy-wojcicki-resigns-9827549d9171a537e76f60cb950d1823 |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

In January 2025, 23andMe disclosed it needed additional liquidity and was exploring strategic alternatives including a potential sale.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Capoot |first=Ashley |date=2025-01-28 |title=23andMe is exploring strategic alternatives, looking to raise capital |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/28/23andme-is-exploring-strategic-alternatives-looking-to-raise-capital.html |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> Wojcicki made a third offer of 41&nbsp;cents per share in March 2025.<ref name=":5" /> On March 23, 2025, 23andMe filed for [Chapter 11 bankruptcy](/source/Chapter_11_bankruptcy) protection as part of a plan to sell its assets, listing assets and liabilities each between $100&nbsp;million and $500&nbsp;million. Wojcicki stepped down as CEO and was replaced by CFO Joe Selsavage.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/dna-testing-firm-23andme-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy-sell-itself-2025-03-24/|title= DNA testing firm 23andMe files for bankruptcy to sell itself|date=March 23, 2025|access-date=March 23, 2025|website=Reuters|language=en}}</ref> Trading in the company's shares was suspended on March 31 and the stock was delisted from Nasdaq, subsequently trading [over-the-counter](/source/over-the-counter_(finance)).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-28 |title=23andMe Delisted From Nasdaq, Will Not Appeal |url=https://www.genomeweb.com/business-news/23andme-delisted-nasdaq-will-not-appeal |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=GenomeWeb |language=en}}</ref>

California Attorney General [Rob Bonta](/source/Rob_Bonta) issued a consumer privacy alert reminding Californian users of their right to request deletion of their genetic data.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fowler |first1=Geoffrey A. |last2=Ovide |first2=Shira |date=2025-03-24 |title=Column {{!}} Delete your DNA from 23andMe right now |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/03/24/23andme-dna-privacy-delete/ |access-date=2025-03-24 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>

=== TTAM acquisition (2025) ===
The initial bankruptcy auction was won by [Regeneron Pharmaceuticals](/source/Regeneron_Pharmaceuticals) for $256&nbsp;million.<ref name=":6" /> As part of that agreement, Regeneron would have acquired all units of 23andMe except its telehealth service Lemonaid Health.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last1=Sunny |first1=Mariam E |last2=Mahatole |first2=Siddhi |date=19 May 2025 |title=Regeneron to buy bankrupt 23andMe, vows ethical use of customer DNA data |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/regeneron-buy-bankrupt-genetic-testing-firm-23andme-256-million-2025-05-19/ |access-date={{Today}} |work=[Reuters](/source/Reuters)}}</ref> However, the bankruptcy court reopened the auction after Wojcicki argued that her nonprofit, TTAM Research Institute, had been unfairly excluded from the bidding process. In the final round, TTAM submitted a winning bid of $305&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Capoot |first=Ashley |date=2025-06-13 |title=Anne Wojcicki to buy back 23andMe and its data for $305 million |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/13/anne-wojcicki-to-buy-back-23andme-and-its-data-for-305-million.html |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> 23andMe had separately announced it would cease being a public company and deregister from the SEC effective June 6, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/27/23andme-delist-nasdaq.html|title=23andMe to delist from Nasdaq, deregister with SEC|first=Ashley|last=Capoot|date=May 27, 2025|access-date=May 30, 2025|website=CNBC|language=en}}</ref>

TTAM completed the acquisition of substantially all of 23andMe's assets—including the Personal Genome Service, Research Services, and Lemonaid Health—on July 14, 2025.<ref name="TTAM-complete" /> TTAM committed to honouring 23andMe's existing privacy policies, establishing a Consumer Privacy Advisory Board, and restricting future sale or transfer of genetic data unless any new owner adopted equivalent privacy protections.

== Technology ==
thumb|A 23andMe 2021 genome testing kit
thumb|A 23andMe 2013 genome testing kit

23andMe began offering direct-to-consumer genetic testing in November 2007.<ref name="Wired2007" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Our Service: Genotyping Technology |url=https://www.23andme.com/more/genotyping/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222247/https://www.23andme.com/more/genotyping/ |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |access-date=November 27, 2013 |publisher=23andMe |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Customers submit a [saliva sample](/source/saliva_testing) from which DNA is extracted and [amplified](/source/DNA_amplification). The amplified DNA is applied to a glass [microarray chip](/source/Microarray_analysis_techniques) manufactured by [Illumina](/source/Illumina_(company)), which contains microscopic beads, each bearing a [gene probe](/source/gene_probe) complementary to a specific [genetic variant](/source/genetic_variant). Where the customer's DNA matches a probe, the sequences [hybridise](/source/Nucleic_acid_hybridization) and a [fluorescent label](/source/Fluorescent_tag) indicates the variant is present. The platform tests hundreds of thousands of variants out of the approximately 10 to 30&nbsp;million present in the human genome, and the results are compiled into reports informing the customer about variants associated with conditions such as [Parkinson's disease](/source/Parkinson's_disease), [celiac disease](/source/Coeliac_disease), and [Alzheimer's disease](/source/Alzheimer's_disease).<ref>Madara, Jason. [https://www.wired.co.uk/article/the-extraction-process "The extraction process: meet 23andme's Anne Wojcicki"], ''[WIRED UK](/source/WIRED_UK)'', March 6, 2017. Retrieved April 17, 2018.</ref> In 2008, when the company was offering estimates of predisposition for more than 90 traits and conditions, ''Time'' magazine named the product "Invention of the Year".<ref name="Time" />

Customers can download their uninterpreted raw genetic data<ref name="Jeffries">{{cite news |last1=Jeffries |first1=Adrianne |date=December 12, 2012 |title=Genes, patents, and big business: at 23andMe, are you the customer or the product? |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/12/12/3759198/23andme-genetics-testing-50-million-data-mining |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102093742/http://www.theverge.com/2012/12/12/3759198/23andme-genetics-testing-50-million-data-mining |archive-date=January 2, 2014 |access-date=July 17, 2014 |work=[The Verge](/source/The_Verge)}}</ref> and view results by chromosome, including [mitochondrial DNA](/source/mitochondrial_DNA), to compare their variants with common population frequencies. Ancestry customers have access to [genealogical DNA test](/source/genealogical_DNA_test) tools, including a relative-matching database, and can view their [mitochondrial haplogroup](/source/Human_mitochondrial_DNA_haplogroup) (maternal lineage) and, if male or if a patrilineal relative has been tested, their [Y chromosome haplogroup](/source/Y-chromosome_haplogroup) (paternal lineage). US customers who received health-related results before November 22, 2013, retain online access to assessments of [inherited](/source/Heredity) [traits](/source/Phenotypic_trait) and [genetic disorder](/source/genetic_disorder) risks.<ref name="Herper" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Baertlein |first=Lisa |date=November 20, 2007 |title=Google-backed 23andMe offers $999 DNA test |url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/webguide/internetlife/2007-11-20-23andme-launch_N.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526120927/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/webguide/internetlife/2007-11-20-23andme-launch_N.htm |archive-date=May 26, 2014 |access-date=April 5, 2012 |work=[USA Today](/source/USA_Today)}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Swarns |first1=Rachel L. |date=January 23, 2012 |title=With DNA Testing, Suddenly They Are Family |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/24/us/with-dna-testing-adoptees-find-a-way-to-connect-with-family.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717080805/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/24/us/with-dna-testing-adoptees-find-a-way-to-connect-with-family.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |archive-date=July 17, 2014 |access-date=July 17, 2014 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> Health-related results for US customers who purchased the test from November 22, 2013, were suspended until late 2015 while undergoing FDA regulatory review.<ref name="Pollack" /><ref name="Fung">{{cite news |last=Fung |first=Brian |date=December 6, 2013 |title=Bowing again to the FDA, 23andMe stops issuing health-related genetic reports |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2013/12/06/bowing-again-to-the-fda-23andme-stops-issuing-health-related-genetic-reports/ |access-date=December 6, 2013 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> Customers in Canada and the United Kingdom have access to some, but not all, health-related results.<ref name="Ubelacker" /><ref name="Roberts" />

23andMe is commonly used by [donor-conceived people](/source/donor_conceived_person) to find biological siblings and, in some cases, their [sperm donor](/source/sperm_donor) or [egg donor](/source/egg_donor).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chung |first1=Emily |last2=Glanz |first2=Melanie |last3=Adhopia |first3=Vik |date=January 25, 2018 |title=No more Mr. Anonymous for sperm donors |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/sperm-donor-dna-testing-1.4500517 |website=CBC News}}</ref>

=== Instrument and chip versions ===
Until 2010, [Illumina](/source/Illumina_(company)) sold its genotyping instruments labelled "for research use only"; in early 2010, Illumina obtained FDA approval for its BeadXpress system for clinical use.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Petrone |first1=Justin |date=May 4, 2010 |title=FDA Clears Illumina's BeadXpress System for Clinical Use |url=https://www.genomeweb.com/arrays/fda-clears-illuminas-beadxpress-system-clinical-use |work=GenomeWeb |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=510(k) Premarket Notification K093128 |url=https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm?ID=K093128 |access-date=April 7, 2017 |publisher=FDA}}</ref>

== Product history and pricing ==

=== Product tiers ===
In late 2009, 23andMe briefly split its service into three products—an Ancestry Edition, a Health Edition, and a Complete Edition—but recombined them a year later.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wu |first=Shirley |date=November 13, 2009 |title=Get Just the Information You Want: 23andMe To Offer Separate Health and Ancestry Editions |url=http://blog.23andme.com/news/get-just-the-information-you-want-23andme-to-offer-separate-health-and-ancestry-editions/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202233939/http://blog.23andme.com/news/get-just-the-information-you-want-23andme-to-offer-separate-health-and-ancestry-editions/ |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |access-date=November 29, 2013 |publisher=23andMe |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Vorhaus2010">{{cite web |last=Vorhaus |first=Dan |date=November 23, 2010 |title=A Thanksgiving Tradition: 23andMe Repackages Product, Raises Prices |url=http://www.genomicslawreport.com/index.php/2010/11/23/a-thanksgiving-tradition-23andme-repackages-product-raises-prices/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004925/http://www.genomicslawreport.com/index.php/2010/11/23/a-thanksgiving-tradition-23andme-repackages-product-raises-prices/ |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=November 29, 2013 |work=Genomics Law Report |publisher=Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson}}</ref> A monthly subscription for research-based updates, introduced in late 2010, proved unpopular and was eliminated in mid-2012.<ref name="Vorhaus2010" /><ref>{{cite news |last=MacArthur |first=Daniel |date=November 24, 2010 |title=News from 23andMe: a bigger chip, a new subscription model and another discount drive |url=https://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/11/news-from-23andme-a-bigger-chip-a-new-subscription-model-and-another-discount-drive/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629194059/http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/11/news-from-23andme-a-bigger-chip-a-new-subscription-model-and-another-discount-drive |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |access-date=November 27, 2013 |newspaper=Wired}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=May 10, 2012 |title=23andMe Eliminates Subscription Model |url=http://www.genomeweb.com/mdx/23andme-eliminates-subscription-model |access-date=November 27, 2013 |newspaper=GenomeWeb Daily News}}</ref>

From November 22, 2013, to October 21, 2015, 23andMe sold only raw genetic data and ancestry-related results in the US due to FDA restrictions,<ref name="Herper" /><ref name="Fung" /> after which it resumed providing health information in the form of carrier status and wellness reports.<ref name="arstechnica">{{Cite web |date=2015-10-21 |title=23andMe reboots genetic health testing, now with FDA approval |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2015/10/23andme-reboots-genetic-health-testing-now-with-fda-approval/ |access-date=October 21, 2015 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>

=== Pricing ===
The US price declined from $999 at launch in 2007 to $399 in 2008<ref>{{cite news |last=Pollack |first=Andrew |date=September 9, 2008 |title=DNA Profile Provider Is Cutting Its Prices |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/09/business/09gene.html |access-date=December 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> and to $99 in 2012,<ref name="Tsotsis" /> effectively serving as a [loss leader](/source/loss_leader) to build the customer database.<ref name="Jeffries" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hamilton |first1=David |date=September 10, 2008 |title=23andMe's Price Cut: The End of Personal Genomics? |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/23andmes-price-cut-the-end-of-personal-genomics/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717122727/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/23andmes-price-cut-the-end-of-personal-genomics/ |archive-date=July 17, 2014 |access-date=July 17, 2014 |work=CBSNews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Krol |first1=Aaron |date=March 24, 2014 |title=23andMe Pursues Health Research in the Shadow of the FDA |url=http://www.bio-itworld.com/BioIT_Article.aspx?id=136445 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806215135/http://www.bio-itworld.com/BioIT_Article.aspx?id=136445 |archive-date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=July 17, 2014 |work=Bio-IT World}}</ref> In October 2015, the price was raised to $199.<ref name="arstechnica" /> In September 2016, an ancestry-only version was reintroduced at $99 with an optional $125 health upgrade.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramsey |first1=Lydia |date=September 22, 2016 |title=23andMe is now offering a $99 genetics test again – but it's very different from the original |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/23andme-99-ancestry-test-2016-9 |access-date=September 26, 2016 |work=Business Insider}}</ref> The product launched in Canada in October 2014 at {{CAD|99}}<ref name="Ubelacker" /><ref name="Hansen" /> and in the United Kingdom in December 2014 at £125.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gibbs |first1=Samuel |date=December 2, 2014 |title=DNA-screening test 23andMe launches in UK after US ban |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/02/google-genetic-testing-23andme-uk-launch |access-date=October 26, 2015 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>

=== Ancestry and diversity initiatives ===
In February 2018, 23andMe enhanced its ancestry reporting to provide country-level rather than region-level estimates, adding 120 new regions.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Farr |first=Christina |date=February 28, 2018 |title=23andMe is getting more specific with its DNA ancestry tests, adding 120 new regions |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/28/23andme-adds-120-new-regions-to-its-ancestry-test.html |access-date=March 29, 2018 |work=CNBC}}</ref> Acknowledging gaps in genomic data for Asia and Africa, the company launched the African Genetics Program in October 2016 (supported by a [National Institutes of Health](/source/National_Institutes_of_Health) grant) to recruit [sub-Saharan Africa](/source/sub-Saharan_Africa)n participants.<ref>Hayden, Erika Check. [https://www.nature.com/news/the-rise-and-fall-and-rise-again-of-23andme-1.22801 "The rise and fall and rise again of 23andMe"], ''[Nature](/source/Nature_(journal))'', October 11, 2017. Retrieved April 21, 2018.</ref> This was expanded into the Global Genetics Program in February 2018, targeting 61 underrepresented countries, and the Populations Collaboration Program in April 2018, establishing formal research partnerships.<ref>Zhang, Sarah. [https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/04/23andme-diversity-dna/558575/ "23andMe Wants Its DNA Data to Be Less White"], ''[The Atlantic](/source/The_Atlantic)'', April 23, 2018.</ref>

=== 23andMe+ and Lemonaid Health ===
In October 2020, 23andMe launched "23andMe+", a subscription service priced at $29 per year, offering additional health and [pharmacogenetic](/source/pharmacogenomics) reports to Health + Ancestry customers genotyped on version 5 of its microarray chip.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 1, 2020 |title=23andMe+: An ongoing approach to your genetics |url=https://blog.23andme.com/news/inside-23andme/23andmeplus/}}</ref> In late 2021, the company completed its $400&nbsp;million acquisition of Lemonaid Health, a telehealth company.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-10-21 |title=23andMe to buy telehealth firm Lemonaid for $400 mln |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/23andme-buy-telehealth-firm-lemonaid-400-mln-2021-10-22/ |access-date=2022-03-21 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-22 |title=23andMe snaps up prescription platform Lemonaid Health for $400M |url=https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/23andme-snaps-prescription-platform-lemonaid-health-400m |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=MobiHealthNews |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=HealthLeaders |title=23andMe Will Spend $400M to Acquire Lemonaid Health |url=https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/telehealth/23andme-will-spend-400m-acquire-lemonaid-health |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=www.healthleadersmedia.com |language=en}}</ref>

== FDA regulation ==
{{anchor|FDA}}
The emergence of direct-to-consumer genetic testing raised questions about whether results could be meaningfully interpreted and whether they might lead to [genetic discrimination](/source/genetic_discrimination).<ref name=Time/><ref name=Jeffries/> The regulatory environment for genetic testing companies remained uncertain, with anticipated risk-based frameworks slow to materialise.<ref name=Vorhaus2010/><ref>{{cite web|last=Greely|first=Hank|title=The FDA drops an anvil on 23andMe – now what?|url=http://blogs.law.stanford.edu/lawandbiosciences/2013/11/25/the-fda-drops-an-anvil-on-23andme-%E2%80%93-now-what/|publisher=Stanford University|date=November 25, 2013|access-date=November 29, 2013|quote=FDA had promised a risk-based regulatory scheme, but we don't know what it is.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129144904/http://blogs.law.stanford.edu/lawandbiosciences/2013/11/25/the-fda-drops-an-anvil-on-23andme-%E2%80%93-now-what/|archive-date=November 29, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=23andMeUpdate/>

=== State regulators ===
In 2008, [New York](/source/New_York_(state)) and [California](/source/California) each notified 23andMe and similar companies that they required [CLIA](/source/Clinical_Laboratory_Improvement_Amendments) licences to sell tests in those states.<ref name="Time">{{Cite magazine|last=Hamilton|first=Anita|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1852747_1854493,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081102044918/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1852747_1854493,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 2, 2008 | title = Best Inventions of 2008 | magazine = [Time](/source/Time_(magazine)) | date=October 29, 2008 | access-date = April 5, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/2008/04/17/genes-regulation-testing-biz-cx_mh_bl_0418genes.html |title=States Crack Down On Online Gene Tests |first1=Robert |last1=Langreth |first2=Matthew |last2=Herper |work=Forbes |date=April 18, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kincaid |first=Jason |date=June 18, 2008 |title=Cease And Desist: California Tries to Unravel 23andMe's Genetic Testing |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/17/AR2008061702720.html |work=[TechCrunch](/source/TechCrunch) |via=The Washington Post}}</ref> By August 2008, 23andMe had obtained the necessary California licences.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/20/business/20gene.html?_r=4&ref=health&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin | work=The New York Times | first=Andrew | last=Pollack | title=California Licenses 2 Companies to Offer Gene Services | date=August 20, 2008}}</ref>

=== FDA warning and suspension (2012–2015) ===
According to Wojcicki, 23andMe had been in dialogue with the FDA since 2008.<ref name="23andMeUpdate">{{cite web|last=Wojcicki|first=Anne|title=An Update Regarding The FDA's Letter to 23andMe|url=http://blog.23andme.com/news/an-update-regarding-the-fdas-letter-to-23andme/|date=November 26, 2013|publisher=23andMe|access-date=November 27, 2013}}</ref> In 2010, the FDA notified several genetic testing companies, including 23andMe, that their tests were considered [medical device](/source/medical_device)s requiring federal approval; a similar letter was sent to [Illumina](/source/Illumina_(company)), which makes the instruments and chips used by 23andMe.<ref name=Vorhaus2010/><ref>{{cite news|title=FDA cracking down on genetic tests|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/37638671/#.UpWQiNIwrIy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126113611/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/37638671/#.UpWQiNIwrIy|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 26, 2013|access-date=November 27, 2013|newspaper=NBC|date=June 11, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Pollack|first1=Andrew|title=F.D.A. Faults 5 Companies on Genetic Tests|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/12/health/12genome.html|work=The New York Times|date=June 11, 2010}}</ref> 23andMe first submitted applications for FDA clearance in July and September 2012.<ref name="FDAWarning">{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/23andme-inc-11222013 |title = Inspections, Compliance, Enforcement, and Criminal Investigations – 23andMe, Inc.|publisher=FDA|date=November 22, 2013|access-date=November 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531080842/https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/23andme-inc-11222013 |archive-date=31 May 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In November 2013, the FDA published guidance on how it classified genetic testing services.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Malone|first1=Bill|title=A New Chapter in FDA Regulation|url=https://www.aacc.org/publications/cln/articles/2014/february/fda-regulation|work=AACC.org – Clinical Laboratory News|date=February 1, 2014}}</ref> At the same time, after six months without communication from 23andMe, the FDA ordered the company to stop marketing its personal genome service (PGS), stating that 23andMe had not demonstrated analytical or clinical validation and raising concerns about public health consequences of inaccurate results.<ref name=FDAWarning/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/fda-tells-23andme-halt-sales-genetic-test-21004582|title = FDA Tells 23andMe to Halt Sales of Genetic Test|last = Perrone|first = Matthew|date = November 25, 2013|access-date = November 25, 2013|work = [ABC News](/source/ABC_News_(United_States))}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.fastcompany.com/3022208/fda-tells-23andme-founder-anne-wojcicki-to-stop-marketing-99-genetic-test-or-face-penalties|title = FDA To 23andMe Founder Anne Wojcicki: Stop Marketing $99 DNA Test Or Face Penalties |last= Gray|first = Tyler|date = November 25, 2013|access-date = November 25, 2013|magazine = [Fast Company](/source/Fast_Company_(magazine))}}</ref> By early December 2013, 23andMe had stopped advertisements for the PGS test<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fiercemedicaldevices.com/story/23andme-pulls-ads-after-fda-warning-sales-roll/2013-12-03|title=23andMe pulls ads after FDA warning, but sales roll on|last=Garde|first=Damian|work=FierceMedicalDevices|publisher=FierceMarkets|date=December 3, 2013|access-date=December 4, 2013|archive-date=June 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609113426/http://www.fiercemedicaldevices.com/story/23andme-pulls-ads-after-fda-warning-sales-roll/2013-12-03|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=del Castillo|first=Michael|title=Calm down about 23andMe, the media is getting it wrong|url=http://upstart.bizjournals.com/news/technology/2013/12/03/23andme-website-after-fda-warning.html|access-date=December 5, 2013|newspaper=Upstart Business Journal|date=December 3, 2013}}</ref> and on December 5 suspended health-related results for new customers, continuing to sell ancestry services and raw genetic data.<ref name=Herper/><ref name=Fung/>

23andMe publicly acknowledged it had not met the FDA's expectations regarding communication and timelines.<ref name="Khan">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2013/11/25/fda_letter_to_23andme_won_t_mean_anything_in_the_long_run.html|title = The FDA's Battle With 23andMe Won't Mean Anything in the Long Run|last = Khan|first = Razib|date = November 25, 2013|magazine = [Slate Magazine](/source/Slate_Magazine)|access-date = November 25, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/11/25/23andme-fda-block/|title = DNA Testing Startup 23andMe Hits A Snag As FDA Shuts Down Sales Of Home Testing Kit|last = Etherington|first = Darrell|date = November 25, 2013|access-date = November 25, 2013|work = [TechCrunch](/source/TechCrunch)}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.technologyreview.com/view/522001/updated-fda-orders-23andme-to-stop-genetic-tests/|title = Updated: FDA Orders 23andMe to Stop Genetic Tests|last = Young|first = Susan|date = November 25, 2013|access-date = November 25, 2013|magazine = [Technology Review](/source/Technology_Review)}}</ref> Wojcicki described the situation as "new territory for both 23andMe and the FDA", noting that the regulatory process would help establish frameworks for the broader industry.<ref name=23andMeUpdate/>

In May 2014, 23andMe began exploring international markets, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, to offer its full testing service.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Farr|first1=Christina|title=Gene startup 23andme casts eyes abroad after U.S. regulatory hurdle|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/23andme-genetictesting-idUSL2N0NS0Y820140506|access-date=July 17, 2014|work=Reuters|date=May 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527154237/https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/06/23andme-genetictesting-idUSL2N0NS0Y820140506|archive-date=May 27, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Health-inclusive products launched in Canada in October 2014<ref name=Ubelacker/><ref name=Hansen/><ref name=CBCNews/> and in the United Kingdom in December 2014.<ref name=Roberts/>

=== FDA approvals (2015–2018) ===
In 2014, 23andMe submitted a [510(k)](/source/510(k)) application to market a [carrier test](/source/Carrier_testing) for [Bloom syndrome](/source/Bloom_syndrome), providing data on analytical consistency, usability, and clinical validity.<ref name=FDAbloom/><ref>{{cite web|title=Device Classification under Section 513(f)(2)(de novo)|url=https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/denovo.cfm?id=den140044|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316002504/http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfPMN/denovo.cfm?ID=DEN140044|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 16, 2016|website=accessdata.fda.gov|publisher=FDA|access-date=April 7, 2017}}.  23andMe's [https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpcd/classification.cfm?ID=4679 Autosomal Recessive Carrier Screening Gene Mutation Detection System] in FDA database</ref> The FDA cleared the test in February 2015, stating it would not require similar applications for other 23andMe carrier tests.<ref name="FDAbloom">{{Cite news|url = https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm435003.htm|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150222124829/http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm435003.htm|url-status = dead|archive-date = February 22, 2015|title = FDA permits marketing of first direct-to-consumer genetic carrier test for Bloom syndrome|date = February 19, 2015|work = FDA News Release}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=23andMe Gets FDA Clearance to Market Bloom Syndrome Carrier Test Directly to Consumers|url=https://www.genomeweb.com/molecular-diagnostics/23andme-gets-fda-clearance-market-bloom-syndrome-carrier-test-directly|work=GenomeWeb|date=February 19, 2015|language=en}}</ref> Further clarification was sent on October 1, 2015,<ref>{{cite web|title=Letter re DEN140044|url=https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf14/den140044.pdf|publisher=FDA|date=October 1, 2015}}.  [https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/reviews/den140044.pdf Decision Summary: Evaluation of DEN140044]{{dead link|date=May 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} revising February 2015 evaluation.</ref> and on October 21, 2015, 23andMe resumed marketing carrier tests in the US.<ref name=Pollack/> Wojcicki acknowledged that "there was part of us that didn't understand how the regulatory environment works" regarding the distributed roles of the FDA and [CMS](/source/Centers_for_Medicare_and_Medicaid_Services).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/disconnect-between-silicon-valley-and-regulators-over-health-technologies-23andme-ceo-says-1477522539|title=Disconnect Between Silicon Valley and Regulators Over Health Technologies, 23andMe CEO Says|last=Bensinger|first=Greg|date=October 26, 2016|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref>

23andMe then submitted "[de novo](/source/Federal_Food%2C_Drug%2C_and_Cosmetic_Act_of_1938)" applications for genetic health risk tests. In April 2017, the FDA approved ten such tests, covering conditions including late-onset [Alzheimer's disease](/source/Alzheimer's_disease), [Parkinson's disease](/source/Parkinson's_disease), [celiac disease](/source/Coeliac_disease), [hereditary thrombophilia](/source/Thrombophilia), [alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency](/source/Alpha_1-antitrypsin_deficiency), [glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency](/source/glucose-6-phosphate_dehydrogenase_deficiency), early-onset [dystonia](/source/dystonia), [factor XI deficiency](/source/Haemophilia_C), and [Gaucher's disease](/source/Gaucher's_disease). The FDA stated it intended to exempt further 23andMe risk tests from 510(k) requirements and clarified that these were risk assessments, not [diagnostic tests](/source/diagnostic_tests).<ref name="FDA10">{{cite web|title= FDA allows marketing of first direct-to-consumer tests that provide genetic risk information for certain conditions|url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-allows-marketing-first-direct-consumer-tests-provide-genetic-risk-information-certain-conditions|publisher=FDA|language=en|date=April 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801025811/https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-allows-marketing-first-direct-consumer-tests-provide-genetic-risk-information-certain-conditions |archive-date=1 August 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kolata|first1=Gina|title=F.D.A. Will Allow 23andMe to Sell Genetic Tests for Disease Risk to Consumers|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/06/health/fda-genetic-tests-23andme.html|work=The New York Times|date=April 6, 2017}}</ref>

In March 2018, the FDA approved a [direct-to-consumer](/source/direct-to-consumer) test for three specific [''BRCA'' mutations](/source/BRCA_mutation) most common among people of [Ashkenazi descent](/source/Ashkenazi_Jews); these are not the most common ''BRCA'' mutations in the general population, and the test covers only three of approximately 1,000 known mutations.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stallings|first=Erika|date=2018-03-30|title=Opinion {{!}} Allowing 23andMe To Test For BRCA May Do More Harm Than Good|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/opinion-stallings-23andme-brca_n_5ab90fe4e4b008c9e5f9b8cd|access-date=2021-02-11|website=HuffPost|language=en}}</ref> These mutations are associated with increased risk of [breast](/source/Breast_cancer) and [ovarian cancer](/source/ovarian_cancer) in women, and breast and [prostate cancer](/source/prostate_cancer) in men.<ref>{{cite news|title=FDA authorizes, with special controls, direct-to-consumer test that reports three mutations in the BRCA breast cancer genes|url=https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm599560.htm|work=FDA|date=March 6, 2018|language=en}}{{dead link|date=May 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

== Research ==

=== Overview ===
Over 80% of 23andMe customers have opted in to having their data used for research.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3040356/what-23andme-is-doing-with-all-that-dna|title=How 23andMe is Monetizing Your DNA|date=January 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/feb/16/dna-hugely-valuable-health-tech-privacy|title = Your DNA is a valuable asset, so why give it to ancestry websites for free? &#124; Laura Spinney|website = [TheGuardian.com](/source/TheGuardian.com)|date = February 16, 2020}}</ref> The company's research programme has produced hundreds of peer-reviewed publications using its large genotyped and phenotyped participant database. Aggregated customer data is studied by researchers employed by 23andMe and through collaborations with academic, government, and pharmaceutical partners;<ref name="Pollack" /><ref name="Jeffries" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=McBride|first1=Ryan|title=23andMe sets stage for stronger ties with pharma|url=http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/23andme-sets-stage-stronger-ties-pharma/2012-11-29|access-date=July 17, 2014|work=FierceBiotech|date=November 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808172154/http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/23andme-sets-stage-stronger-ties-pharma/2012-11-29|archive-date=August 8, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Wired2010">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/06/ff_sergeys_search/all/1|title=Sergey Brin's Search for a Parkinson's Cure |issue=7 |last=Goetz|first=Thomas|date=June 22, 2010|access-date=April 5, 2012|magazine=[Wired](/source/Wired_(magazine))|volume=18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717095539/http://www.wired.com/2010/06/ff_sergeys_search/all/1|archive-date=July 17, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Kiss">{{cite news |last=Kiss |first=Jemima |date=March 9, 2014 |title=23andMe admits FDA order 'significantly slowed up' new customers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/mar/09/google-23andme-anne-wojcicki-genetics-healthcare-dna |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316171535/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/mar/09/google-23andme-anne-wojcicki-genetics-healthcare-dna |archive-date=March 16, 2014 |access-date=March 10, 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> de-identified customer data has also been licensed to [pharmaceutical](/source/Pharmaceutical_industry) and [biotechnology](/source/biotechnology) companies. In July 2012, 23andMe acquired CureTogether, a crowdsourced treatment ratings startup with data on over 600 medical conditions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 11, 2012 |title=23andMe Makes First Acquisition, Nabs CureTogether To Double Down On Crowdsourced Genetic Research = Jul 11, 2012 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/07/11/23andme-first-acquisition// |access-date=Feb 18, 2015 |website=[TechCrunch](/source/TechCrunch)}}</ref>

23andMe offers an optional consent allowing individual genetic information to be included in research published in scientific journals. However, even without this consent, de-identified genetic and self-reported data may be shared with the company's third-party service providers.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.23andme.com/about/privacy/|title=Privacy Policy|date=17 July 2018|website=23andMe}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/dna-testing-ancestry-23andme-share-data-companies-2018-8|title=DNA-testing companies like 23andMe sell your genetic data to drugmakers and other Silicon Valley startups|last=Brodwin|first=Erin|date=3 August 2018|website=Business Insider}}</ref>

=== Parkinson's disease ===
In 2010, 23andMe reported using its database to validate NIH-published work identifying mutations in the [glucocerebrosidase](/source/glucocerebrosidase) gene as a risk factor for [Parkinson's disease](/source/Parkinson's_disease).<ref name="Wired2010" /> In 2015, the company began pursuing in-house [drug discovery](/source/drug_discovery) under former [Genentech](/source/Genentech) executive [Richard Scheller](/source/Richard_Scheller), with Parkinson's disease as a primary focus.<ref name=Pollack/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Herper|first1=Matthew|title=In Big Shift, 23andMe Will Invent Drugs Using Customer Data|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewherper/2015/03/12/23andme-enters-the-drug-business-just-as-apple-changes-it/|access-date=October 28, 2015|work=Forbes|date=March 12, 2015}}</ref>

=== Inflammatory bowel disease ===
23andMe established research agreements with [Pfizer](/source/Pfizer) to investigate the genetic basis of [inflammatory bowel disease](/source/inflammatory_bowel_disease), including [ulcerative colitis](/source/ulcerative_colitis) and [Crohn's disease](/source/Crohn's_disease).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Herper|first1=Matthew|title=Surprise! With $60 Million Genentech Deal, 23andMe Has A Business Plan|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewherper/2015/01/06/surprise-with-60-million-genentech-deal-23andme-has-a-business-plan/#442bc3e52be9|work=Forbes|date=January 6, 2015|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Molten|first1=Megan|title=23andMe Is Digging Through Your Data for a Parkinson's Cure|url=https://www.wired.com/story/23andme-is-digging-through-your-data-for-a-parkinsons-cure|magazine=Wired|date=September 13, 2017}}</ref>

=== Depression and psychiatric disorders ===
In 2016, 23andMe used self-reported customer data to identify 17 genetic [loci](/source/Locus_(genetics)) associated with [depression](/source/Depression_(mood)).<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Mullins|first1=N|last2=Lewis|first2=CM|title=Genetics of Depression: Progress at Last.|journal=Current Psychiatry Reports|date=August 2017|volume=19|issue=8|pages=43|doi=10.1007/s11920-017-0803-9|pmid=28608123|pmc=5486596}}</ref> In 2017, the company began collaborations with [Lundbeck](/source/Lundbeck) and the [Milken Institute](/source/Milken_Institute) focusing on the genetics of [bipolar disorder](/source/bipolar_disorder) and [major depression](/source/Major_depressive_disorder), with aims of advancing drug discovery.<ref name="Fortune2017">{{cite news|last1=Mukherjee|first1=Sy|title=23andMe Raises Another $250 Million – And Wants to Use Your Genetic Data to Make Drugs|url=http://fortune.com/2017/09/12/23andme-250-million-sequoia-drugs/?iid=sr-link9|work=Fortune|date=September 12, 2017 }}</ref>

=== COVID-19 ===
In June 2020, 23andMe published preliminary results suggesting that people with [type O](/source/ABO_blood_group_system) blood may be at lower risk of [COVID-19](/source/COVID-19) infection. Among more than 750,000 participants, those with type O blood were 9–18% less likely to contract the virus, and those who had been exposed were 13–26% less likely to test positive.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Hannah |last=Kuchler |title=Study links blood type to lower risk of catching coronavirus |publisher=Financial Times |date=2020-06-08 |url=https://www.ft.com/content/587de199-add0-41d9-992e-8f329f8db047 |access-date=2020-06-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Kristen V |last=Brown |title=23andMe Provides More Evidence That Blood Type Plays Role in Virus |website=Bloomberg |date=2020-06-08 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-08/23andme-provides-more-evidence-that-blood-type-plays-role-in-virus |access-date=2020-06-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=23andMe provides more evidence that blood type plays role in COVID-19 virus |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/23andme-provides-more-evidence-that-blood-type-plays-role-in-covid-19-virus-1.1591635107796 |access-date=2020-06-09 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}}</ref> The study was published in April 2021 in ''[Nature Genetics](/source/Nature_Genetics)''.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Shelton |first1=Janie F. |last2=Shastri |first2=Anjali J. |last3=Ye |first3=Chelsea |last4=Weldon |first4=Catherine H. |last5=Filshtein-Sonmez |first5=Teresa |last6=Coker |first6=Daniella |last7=Symons |first7=Antony |last8=Esparza-Gordillo |first8=Jorge |last9=Aslibekyan |first9=Stella |last10=Auton |first10=Adam |date=June 2021 |title=Trans-ancestry analysis reveals genetic and nongenetic associations with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity |journal=Nature Genetics |language=en |volume=53 |issue=6 |pages=801–808 |doi=10.1038/s41588-021-00854-7 |pmid=33888907 |issn=1546-1718|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=23andMe COVID-19 Study Findings Published |date=September 9, 2020 |publisher=23andme |url=https://medical.23andme.com/23andme-covid-19-study-findings-published/}}</ref> Subsequent research examined genetic associations with COVID-19 symptoms such as loss of taste or smell<ref>{{Cite journal | vauthors = Shelton JF, Shastri AJ, Aslibekyan S, Auton A |title=The UGT2A1/UGT2A2 locus is associated with COVID-19-related loss of smell or taste |journal=Nature Genetics |date=2022 |volume=54 |issue=2 |pages=121–124 |doi=10.1038/s41588-021-00986-w |pmid=35039640 | collaboration = 23andMe COVID-19 Team |medrxiv=10.1101/2021.05.28.21257993v1}}</ref>, vaccine reactions across different ethnicities, and risk factors for [long COVID](/source/long_COVID).<ref>{{Cite web |last=((23andMe)) |date=2023-03-29 |title=COVID-19 Three Years In |url=https://blog.23andme.com/articles/covid-19-three-years-in |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=23andMe Blog |language=en}}</ref> Findings on long COVID were presented at the 2023 [ASHG](/source/ASHG) conference.<ref>{{Cite web |last=((23andMe)) |date=2023-10-30 |title=23andMe to Present New COVID Data at ASHG Conference |url=https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-data-on-covid |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=23andMe Blog |language=en}}</ref>

=== Pharmacogenomics ===
In 2026, the 23andMe Research Institute published a genome-wide association study in ''[Nature](/source/Nature_(journal))'' identifying genetic variants associated with variation in weight loss and side effects among users of [GLP-1 receptor agonist](/source/GLP-1_receptor_agonist) medications.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Su | first1=Qiaojuan Jane | last2=Ashenhurst | first2=James R. | last3=Xu | first3=Wanwan | last4=Tran | first4=Vinh | last5=Wu | first5=R. Ryanne | last6=Weldon | first6=Catherine H. | last7=Shi | first7=Jingchunzi | last8=Hicks | first8=Barry | last9=Abul-Husn | first9=Noura S. | last10=Aslibekyan | first10=Stella | last11=Holmes | first11=Michael V. | last12=Koelsch | first12=Bertram L. | last13=Auton | first13=Adam | display-authors=6 | collaboration=23andMe Research Team | title=Genetic predictors of GLP1 receptor agonist weight loss and side effects | journal=Nature | date=8 April 2026 | doi=10.1038/s41586-026-10330-z |doi-access=free |issn=1476-4687}}</ref>

=== Other research ===
In 2016, a project to offer customers [next-generation sequencing](/source/next-generation_sequencing) was ended; Wojcicki cited concerns that results would be too complex for direct-to-consumer presentation.<ref>Pressman, Aaron. [http://fortune.com/2016/10/27/23andme-killed-next-generation-gene-sequencing/ "Why 23andme Killed Its Next Generation Gene Sequencing Project"], ''[Fortune](/source/Fortune_(magazine))'', October 27, 2016. Retrieved April 17, 2018.</ref>

== Informed consent and privacy concerns ==
Questions have been raised since at least 2013 about whether the company can adequately obtain [informed consent](/source/informed_consent) through web-based interactions with people submitting samples for [genotyping](/source/genotyping).<ref name="Stoekle2016">{{cite journal |last1=Stoeklé |first1=HC |last2=Mamzer-Bruneel |first2=MF |last3=Vogt |first3=G |last4=Hervé |first4=C |title=23andMe: a new two-sided data-banking market model. |journal=BMC Medical Ethics |date=March 31, 2016 |volume=17 |article-number=19 |doi=10.1186/s12910-016-0101-9 |pmid=27059184 |pmc=4826522 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Allyse |first1=M |title=23 and Me, We, and You: direct-to-consumer genetics, intellectual property, and informed consent|journal=Trends in Biotechnology |date=February 2013 |volume=31 |issue=2 |pages=68–69 |doi=10.1016/j.tibtech.2012.11.007 |pmid=23237855|pmc=6309979 }}</ref>

=== Data collection and third-party sharing ===
The company collects not only genetic and personal information from customers but also web behaviour data through its website, apps, [cookies](/source/HTTP_cookie), and software.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dna-privacy-at-home-tests-23andme-ancestrydna-sell-data-to-third-parties/|title=Behind at-home DNA testing companies sharing genetic data with third parties|date=2 August 2018|work=CBS News}}</ref> A combination of policies within its terms of service—covering cookies, aggregate data disclosure, and targeted advertising—has been described as making 23andMe a valuable [data mine](/source/data_mine) for third parties including [health insurance companies](/source/Health_insurance_company), [pharmaceutical companies](/source/pharmaceutical_companies), advertisers, [biotechnology companies](/source/biotechnology_companies), law enforcement, and other parties.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/23andme-is-selling-your-data-but-not-how-you-think-1794340474|title=23andMe Is Selling Your Data, But Not How You Think|last=Brown|first=Kristen|date=17 April 2017|website=Gizmodo|access-date=1 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Drabiak |first1=Katherine |title=Read the Fine Print Before Sending Your Spit to 23andMe |url=https://www.thehastingscenter.org/response-to-call-for-essays-read-the-fine-print-before-sending-your-spit-to-23andme-r/ |work=The Hastings Center |date=February 26, 2016}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> People may not be aware of how the company uses their data, and there are inherent risks of [data breach](/source/data_breach)es.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schulson |first1=Michael |title=Spit and Take |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2017/12/direct_to_consumer_genetic_testing_has_tons_of_privacy_issues_why_is_the.html |work=Slate |date=December 29, 2017}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2017/02/15/the-privacy-delusions-of-genetic-testing/#5d0a7c431bba|title=The Privacy Delusions Of Genetic Testing|last=Pitts|first=Peter|date=15 February 2017|website=Forbes}}</ref> Personal information of customers "may be accessed, sold or transferred".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Page |first=Carly |date=2024-10-19 |title=23andMe faces an uncertain future — so does your genetic data |url=https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/19/23andme-faces-an-uncertain-future-so-does-your-genetic-data/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=[TechCrunch](/source/TechCrunch) |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Legal protections ===
==== United States ====
Since 23andMe is not classified as a medical provider, it is not subject to the [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act](/source/Health_Insurance_Portability_and_Accountability_Act) (HIPAA).<ref name=":2" /> Research has found that very few consumers read terms and conditions (9% according to Deloitte; 1% according to ProPrivacy), suggesting many customers may have consented to research participation without fully understanding the permissions granted.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://dnatestingchoice.com/en-us/news/23andme-sell-your-data-should-you-be-worried |title=23andMe sell your data – should you be worried? |last=Wisgard |first=Alex |date=25 January 2019 |publisher=dnatestingchoice.com }}</ref> 23andMe's privacy policy has been described as confusing for consumers.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/what-you-re-giving-away-those-home-dna-tests-n824776 |title=What you're giving away with those home DNA tests |last=Fox |first=Maggie |date=29 November 2017 |publisher=NBC News }}</ref> Despite these concerns, 23andMe's informed consent practices have been approved by an [institutional review board](/source/institutional_review_board). Several sections of the privacy policy have permitted data disclosure to third parties regardless of individual consent status, including provisions for third-party advertising networks to collect web behaviour data,<ref name=":0" /> inclusion of customer data in aggregate datasets shared with research partners even without consent,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/202907870-Will-the-information-I-provide-be-shared-with-third-parties- |title=Will the information I provide be shared with third parties? |publisher=23andMe |access-date=1 May 2019}}</ref> and sharing of personal information with affiliated companies.<ref name=":0" />

The [Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act](/source/Genetic_Information_Nondiscrimination_Act) (GINA) protects individuals against discrimination based on genetic information by employers and health insurers in most situations. However, GINA does not extend to [life insurance](/source/life_insurance), [long-term care](/source/Long-term_care_insurance), or [disability insurance](/source/disability_insurance) providers.

==== European Union ====
Effective May 25, 2018, 23andMe became subject to the [General Data Protection Regulation](/source/General_Data_Protection_Regulation) (GDPR), which governs the collection, use, and storage of personal data and applies to companies offering services to individuals in the [European Union](/source/European_Union), regardless of where the company is based.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.23andme.com/gdpr/|title=Data Protection - GDPR|website=23andMe}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/sites/beta-political/files/data-protection-overview-citizens_en.pdf|title=It's your Data - Take Control: Data Protection in the EU|date=2018|website=European Commission|access-date=1 May 2019}}</ref>

=== Law enforcement ===
{{see also|DNA profiling#Familial DNA searching}}
23andMe's transparency report, as of September 2024, states that the company had received requests from law enforcement for 15 US users' data since 2015, with none from other countries. No data was produced in response to any of these requests.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2025 |title=Transparency Report |work=InfoAgo |url=https://infoago.com/delete-your-dna-from-23andme-right-now/ |publisher=InfoAgo.com}}</ref> The privacy policy states that 23andMe will not voluntarily share personal information with law enforcement absent a valid court order, subpoena, or search warrant.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.23andme.com/legal/privacy/full-version/|title=Privacy Statement |website=23andMe|access-date=30 November 2024}}</ref>

=== 2023 data breach ===
{{Main|23andMe data leak}}
In October 2023, a significant [data breach](/source/data_breach) was disclosed. Hackers accessed data on approximately 6.9&nbsp;million users—roughly half of 23andMe's customers at the time—through a [credential stuffing](/source/credential_stuffing) attack. Stolen data included names, addresses, and genetic information, and was subsequently offered for sale online. The affected accounts had enabled the platform's "DNA Relatives" feature, and the attack specifically targeted [Ashkenazi Jewish](/source/Ashkenazi_Jews) and Chinese-descent users.<ref>{{cite web | last=Helmore | first=Edward | title=Genetic testing firm 23andMe admits hackers accessed DNA data of 7m users | website=the Guardian | date=2023-12-05 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/dec/05/23andme-hack-data-breach | access-date=2024-02-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=DeGeurin | first=Mack | title=Hackers got nearly 7 million people's data from 23andMe. The firm blamed users in 'very dumb' move | website=the Guardian | date=2024-02-15 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/feb/15/23andme-hack-data-genetic-data-selling-response | access-date=2024-02-17 | quote=Worse, he later learned of a hacker going by the pseudonym 'Golem' who had offered to sell the names, addresses and genetic heritage reportedly belonging to 1 million 23andMe customers}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Genetics firm 23andMe says user data stolen in credential stuffing attack |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/genetics-firm-23andme-says-user-data-stolen-in-credential-stuffing-attack/ |first=Bill|last=Toulas|date=October 6, 2023 |publisher=BleepingComputer |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Newman |first=Lily Hay |date=October 6, 2023 |title=23andMe User Data Stolen in Targeted Attack on Ashkenazi Jews |url=https://www.wired.com/story/23andme-credential-stuffing-data-stolen/ |magazine=Wired}}</ref>

In June 2025, the [UK's Information Commissioner's Office](/source/Information_Commissioner's_Office) (ICO) fined 23andMe £2.31&nbsp;million for failing to adequately protect user data, citing inadequate security measures—including the absence of [multi-factor authentication](/source/multi-factor_authentication)—and a slow response to the breach.<ref>{{cite news |date=17 June 2025 |title=UK watchdog fines 23andMe for 'profoundly damaging' data breach |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4grggw4n56o |access-date=17 June 2025 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

In May 2026, the California Attorney General filed a lawsuit against 23andMe for failure to safeguard sensitive personal information under the [California Consumer Privacy Act](/source/California_Consumer_Privacy_Act) (CCPA) and other related privacy statutes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petrow-Cohen |first=Caroline |last2= |date=May 30, 2026 |title=California attorney general sues 23andMe for data breach |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2026-05-30/california-attorney-general-sues-23andme-for-data-breach |access-date=May 31, 2026 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [Genographic Project](/source/Genographic_Project)
* [Biobank](/source/Biobank)
* [Personal genomics](/source/Personal_genomics)
* [Direct-to-consumer genetic testing](/source/Direct-to-consumer_genetic_testing)
* [Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act](/source/Genetic_Information_Nondiscrimination_Act)

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* [http://www.technologyreview.com/view/534006/23andmes-new-formula-patient-consent/ 23andMe's New Formula: Patient Consent]. Antonio Regalado, ''[MIT Technology Review](/source/MIT_Technology_Review)''

== External links ==
* {{Official website}}

{{Genealogy software}}
{{Genealogical DNA test}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:23andme}}
Category:Genetic genealogy companies
Category:American companies established in 2006
Category:Biotechnology companies of the United States
Category:Companies based in Palo Alto, California
Category:Technology companies based in the San Francisco Bay Area
Category:Biotechnology companies established in 2006
Category:2006 establishments in California
Category:American genealogy websites
Category:Genetics databases
Category:Special-purpose acquisition companies
Category:Companies formerly listed on the Nasdaq
Category:Privacy controversies
Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2025
Category:2025 mergers and acquisitions
Category:501(c)(3) organizations

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [23andMe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/23andMe) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/23andMe?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.