Why I regret using 23andMe: I gave up my DNA just to find out I’m British

I gave away my genetic information to a now imploding company for results that inspired nothing but ambivalence

23andMe is facing implosion. As the once-promising genetic testing company flounders - losing 98% of its $6bn value, all its independent board members, nearly half its staff - many of its 15 million customers are scrambling to delete their DNA data from the company's archives. I am one of them.

My reluctant path to 23andMe began in 2016, when I ordered a kit in the mail. After letting the box sit on my desk for weeks, I finally spit in a tube and sent it to the company for analysis. I am a technology journalist - I like to think I am thoughtful about what data I share with corporations. When it comes to genetic data, which unlike a password or credit card number cannot ever be changed, I was particularly wary.