Traffic to 23andMe’s Website Soars as Users Race to Delete DNA Data

Did you delete your DNA data on 23andMe? You’re not alone. The company’s website has seen a surge in users after it launched a bankruptcy proceeding intended to attract a buyer.

Visits to 23andMe.com increased by 526% from Sunday to Monday, according to Similarweb, which tracks internet traffic trends after 23andMe announced its bankruptcy. 23andMe.com received an estimated 1.5 million visits on Monday, an increase from 239,000 visits the day before, or what’s closer to a typical daily traffic flow.

“March 24 was the largest traffic spike 23andMe has seen in at least the last two years,” a Similarweb spokesperson says. It was enough to briefly take down 23andMe’s site on Monday, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

(Credit: Similarweb)

Similarweb attributes the traffic spike to users scrambling to delete their DNA data over concerns the information will fall into the wrong hands. The company has over 15 million users.

23andMe is trying to reassure the public that it’ll find a responsible buyer. “​​To constitute a qualified bid, potential buyers must, among other requirements, agree to comply with 23andMe’s consumer privacy policy and all applicable laws with respect to the treatment of customer data,” the company said on Wednesday after securing the court’s permission to begin the sale process. 

Nevertheless, at least three US attorneys general have issued consumer alerts, warning users about the privacy risks of the looming sale. Existing customers can still delete their data by going to their account settings. But if they face trouble doing so, New York’s attorney general is encouraging local residents to contact her office and file a complaint. 

23andMe didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Get Our Best Stories!

What’s New Now

Sign up for What’s New Now for the top tech news of the day delivered to your inbox every morning.

By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Thanks for signing up!

Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!

About Michael Kan

Senior Reporter

I’ve been working as a journalist for over 15 years—I got my start as a schools and cities reporter in Kansas City and joined PCMag in 2017.

Read Michael’s full bio

Read the latest from Michael Kan