The Appeal of Home DNA Testing

Have you ever wondered about your ancestry or what hidden traits your genes might reveal? Home DNA test kits continue to be a popular way for people to explore their heritage, connect with relatives, and even uncover potential health risks. But with privacy concerns growing and genetic technology evolving, are these tests still a good investment?

 

That’s exactly what many of us have wondered ourselves: Which home DNA test kit is the most honest and accurate?

 

The two most popular home DNA kit options are, of course, AncestryDNA and  23andMe.  But there are other options you may not have heard of, such as FamilyTreeDNA. But as much as you may be interested in jumping on the DNA-kit bandwagon, you should consider key factors like accuracy, privacy risks, and long-term implications of DNA testing.

 

Before you send your genetic material to a company, you should consider key factors like accuracy, privacy risks, and long-term implications. 

 

How Accurate Are Home DNA Tests?

Genetic testing has improved significantly over the years, but home DNA kits are not perfect. The accuracy of your results depends on:

  • Database size: The more DNA samples a company has, the better they can refine and match ancestry results. AncestryDNA, for example, claims to have over 25 million users in its database, making it one of the most precise ancestry tools available.
  • Testing methodology: Autosomal DNA tests (the most common) analyze a broad range of genetic markers, while Y-DNA and mitochondrial DNA tests provide more targeted lineage tracing.
  • Algorithm updates: Companies frequently update their algorithms, which means your ancestry report may change over time as more genetic data is added.

Basic testing kits from top brands still cost around $100, but more advanced tests—including health screenings for potential genetic risks—can cost upwards of $200 or more. However, 23andMe recently halted its health-related genetic testing in several markets due to increased regulatory scrutiny, meaning some consumers may have fewer options for genetic health insights in 2025.

 

The Growing Privacy Risks of DNA Testing

One of the biggest concerns today isn’t about accuracy—it’s about how companies handle your genetic data. As more people become aware of digital privacy risks, DNA testing companies have come under increasing scrutiny for how they store and share genetic information.

 

What You Should Be Aware Of:

  • Data sharing with third parties – Some companies continue to sell anonymized genetic data to pharmaceutical and research firms. If you opt in, your DNA could be used for medical research, but it may also be accessed by for-profit corporations.
  • Law enforcement access – In recent years, law enforcement agencies have used consumer DNA databases to solve cold cases, including high-profile crimes (like the infamous Golden State Killer). Some companies, like GEDmatch, have been more open to cooperating with authorities, while others, like 23andMe and AncestryDNA, have stricter policies limiting access.
  • Data security threats – With cybersecurity concerns on the rise, hackers have increasingly targeted DNA companies. In late 2023, 23andMe suffered a major data breach, exposing sensitive customer information. This incident raised alarms about how genetic data is stored and protected.

Before purchasing a test, carefully review the company's privacy policy. Some providers allow you to opt out of data sharing, but this is often not the default setting—meaning you have to manually adjust your preferences.

 

Can You Delete Your DNA from a Company’s Database?

As concerns about genetic privacy grow, many are considering whether they have the ability to delete their DNA from a company’s database once it's been submitted. Short answer? Yes… depending on the company. Major DNA testing companies, including AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage, allow users to request the deletion of their genetic data. However, there are important caveats:

  • Data deletion vs. account deletion: Deleting your account does not necessarily erase your DNA data. Many companies require a separate request to remove genetic information from their databases.
  • Shared data cannot always be erased: If your genetic data has already been shared with third parties—such as research organizations or law enforcement—it may be impossible to retrieve or delete it entirely.
  • Physical samples may not be destroyed immediately: Some companies destroy physical DNA samples after processing, while others retain them for a set period. Check company policies to understand their retention practices.

How to Request DNA Deletion:

  1. Log into your DNA test account and navigate to privacy settings.
  2. Find the option for DNA deletion—this is sometimes listed separately from account deletion.
  3. Submit a formal deletion request—some companies may require verification steps.
  4. Follow up to ensure the request has been processed.

Even with these precautions, once your genetic information is in the hands of a private company, there’s no absolute guarantee that it can be completely erased. That’s why it’s critical to think carefully before submitting your DNA.

With privacy concerns growing and genetic technology evolving, are these tests still a good investment?

 

Should You Buy a DNA Test Kit?

If your goal is to explore your ancestry, home DNA tests remain a fun and engaging way to learn more about your family history. However, if you’re considering a test for health insights, your options may be more limited due to recent regulatory changes.

 

Key Takeaways Before You Buy:

 

Stick with well-established brands with large databases and clear privacy policies.
 

Be aware that DNA results may change over time as databases grow and algorithms improve.
 

Carefully review privacy policies to understand how your genetic data may be used or shared.
 

Understand that no test can provide a 100% complete or perfectly accurate picture of your ancestry.

 

If you decide to proceed, consider using a disposable email, opting out of data sharing, and understanding the long-term risks of storing your genetic data with a third-party company.

 

Would you take a DNA test? Or do privacy concerns hold you back? If you have used one of these services, what was your experience? Let us know your thoughts!