DNA testing services collect the most sensitive personal data imaginable - your genetic code. This immutable data reveals health risks, ancestry, family connections, and information about relatives who never consented. I analyzed the privacy policies of major DNA testing services with stricter Tier 1 evaluation standards.
DNA testing services are evaluated under our strictest standards because genetic data presents unique, irreversible privacy risks:
How DNA testing services compare on genetic data protection, research consent, and user control. All services in this category receive failing grades due to the inherent sensitivity of genetic data.
| Service | Score | Grade | Key Privacy Concern | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
L
Living DNA
Best in Category
|
58 | C+ | ISO 27001 certified, "no data sales" | Full Review → |
|
A
Ancestry
|
52 | C | Zero DNA law enforcement disclosures | Full Review → |
|
23
23andMe
|
45 | C- | Opt-in research, zero law enforcement disclosures | Full Review → |
|
M
MyHeritage
Lowest in Category
|
35 | D+ | 2018 data breach exposed 92M accounts | Full Review → |
Multiple services partner with pharmaceutical companies for research. 23andMe explicitly states research may be "in collaboration with...pharmaceutical companies." Once you consent, withdrawal cannot undo completed studies.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) only covers health insurance and employment. Life insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care insurance can legally use genetic information to deny coverage or set rates.
All services state that consent withdrawal does not affect research "already begun, completed, or published." Your genetic data may remain in research datasets and publications permanently.
While services require court orders or warrants for DNA data, genetic databases have been used in criminal investigations. Family matching can identify suspects through relatives who consented to testing.
We also analyze DNA testing service terms of service for consumer fairness issues like billing, cancellation, and liability.
View ToS Watchdog DNA Testing →Click through for full attorney analysis of each service's genetic data privacy practices.
If you want to delete your DNA data, opt out of research, destroy your biological sample, or understand your CCPA/GDPR rights for genetic information, I can help.
Need help with genetic data privacy rights or concerns?