Short answer: there are very few (arguably zero) mainstream consumer DNA companies that guarantee they never share or monetize data in any form, but some come closer than others—especially on (a) raw DNA access and (b) strict opt-in data sharing.

Here’s a clear, reality-based breakdown.

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🧬 What you’re actually looking for

You want two things:

1. Raw DNA data access (download your genome file)

2. No selling or sharing with third parties

Those are separate axes —and companies often satisfy one but not fully the other.

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🔐 The closest “privacy-first” options

1. Nebula Genomics

• ✅ Raw DNA data: Yes (full genome sequencing + downloads)

• ✅ Data selling: Claims no selling; user-controlled sharing

• ✅ Privacy model: encryption + user ownership

Why it stands out:

• Designed specifically around user ownership and control of genomic data

• Uses encryption and distributed access controls so even the company itself can’t easily access your data nebula.org

• Lets you choose if/when to share data with researchers

👉 Among consumer options, this is the closest to a “don’t sell my data” philosophy.

Caveat:
It’s still a private company—policies can change, and you must trust their implementation.

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⚖️ Mainstream companies (with important caveats)

These all provide raw DNA downloads , but privacy is conditional.

2. 23andMe

• ✅ Raw data: Yes

• ⚠️ Data selling: No selling without consent—but…

• ⚠️ Shares de-identified data with research partners (opt-in)

• Requires explicit consent for research sharing govfacts.org

• Data may still be transferred in events like mergers or bankruptcy (this has actually been a real concern) washingtonpost.com

👉 Translation:
They don’t “sell your DNA outright,” but your data can still be used commercially if you opt in—or transferred under business changes.

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3. AncestryDNA

• ✅ Raw data: Yes

• ⚠️ Data selling: No without consent

• ⚠️ Research sharing: opt-in, de-identified

• Similar model to 23andMe

• Does not share genetic data with third parties without additional consent govfacts.org

👉 Translation:
Safer than many industries—but still not a zero-sharing guarantee.

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4. MyHeritage / FamilyTreeDNA (similar tier)

• ✅ Raw data: Yes

• ⚠️ Policies: similar opt-in sharing models

• ⚠️ Some past concerns about law enforcement access (FTDNA)

👉 Translation:
Comparable to Ancestry/23andMe—not meaningfully more private.

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🚨 Important reality check

Even the “better” companies have limits:

1. “We don’t sell your data” ≠ “your data never leaves”

• They may:

• Share with service providers

• Use aggregated/anonymized data

• Transfer data during acquisition or bankruptcy

2. Non-DNA data is often shared more freely

• Personal info (email, behavior, etc.) may be shared or monetized more than DNA itself consumerreports.org

3. Laws are weak

• Genetic testing companies are not covered by HIPAA in most cases govfacts.org

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🧪 Bottom line

Best for strict privacy

• Nebula Genomics → strongest privacy-first architecture + raw data access

Acceptable (with caution)

• 23andMe / AncestryDNA

• Raw data access ✅

• No selling without consent ✅

• But opt-in research + corporate risk ⚠️

No true “zero-sharing” guarantee

• If a company stores your DNA, there is always some level of trust required

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🧠 Practical advice (this matters more than the brand)

If privacy is your top concern:

• Prefer download + delete workflows

• Avoid opting into research programs

• Use separate email + minimal personal info

• Consider upload-only services (analyze DNA without giving a new sample)

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If you want, tell me your goal (ancestry vs health vs curiosity), and I can narrow it down to the safest realistic option for your use case.

Several companies, such as Sequencing.com , Living DNA , and AncestryDNA , provide access to raw DNA data while prioritizing user privacy by not selling data to third parties. These platforms often allow users to download their raw genetic information and provide options for strict data control.

Here are the key companies, often cited for their stringent privacy policies:

• Sequencing.com : Known for its "Privacy Forever" policy, it offers secure, HIPAA-compliant storage, allows data deletion, and explicitly states they do not sell or share data with third parties.
• Living DNA : Guarantees they do not sell customer data and only use data for research with strict opt-in consent.
• AncestryDNA : States they do not sell or license personal information to third parties, allowing users to download their raw data and manage privacy settings.
• MyHeritage : Pledges never to sell or license user data, while providing access to raw data.
• 23andMe : Requires users to opt-in for research and does not sell genetic data to insurance companies or third-party marketers.

Key Privacy Considerations

• Raw Data Access: All companies above allow you to download your raw DNA file (usually a .txt or .csv file) after the analysis is complete.
• Third-Party Sharing: While many companies have strict privacy policies, it is important to distinguish between "selling data" and "authorized, opting-in research," which requires your consent.
• Security Measures: Look for companies offering Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for added protection.

Disclaimer: Policies can change; always review a company's specific, up-to-date Privacy Policy before purchasing a DNA test.

Short answer: very few consumer DNA companies can honestly promise both (a) full raw data access and (b)no third-party data sharing under any circumstances. Most fall somewhere in between—especially on the “selling/sharing data” side, which often depends on user consent or corporate events.

Here’s a clear, reality-based breakdown.

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🧬 Companies that provide raw DNA data access

These are the easier half of your requirement—many mainstream providers allow downloads:

• 23andMe

• ✅ Raw data download available customercare.23andme.com

• ⚠️ Data may be used for research if you opt in; can be transferred in mergers/acquisitions washingtonpost.com

• AncestryDNA

• ✅ Raw DNA download available (standard feature across major providers What can raw data from a direct-to-consumer genetic test tell me?: MedlinePlus Genetics)

• ⚠️ Shares anonymized data with partners if you consent

• MyHeritage DNA

• ✅ Raw data download supported

• ⚠️ Similar consent-based research/data sharing model

• FamilyTreeDNA

• ✅ Raw data download supported

• ⚠️ Has allowed law enforcement access in some cases (policy-dependent)

👉 Bottom line: Raw data access is common. Privacy guarantees are not.

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🔒 Companies that emphasize strong privacy / no selling

These are closer to what you’re looking for—but still require careful reading of policies:

1. Nebula Genomics

• ✅ Full raw genome data download (whole genome sequencing)

• ✅ Strong privacy positioning (encryption, user control)

• ⚠️ Still allows research participation if you opt in

👉 Often considered one of the most privacy-focused mainstream options.

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2. tellmeGen

• ✅ Raw data access/upload

• ✅ Explicit claim: “never sell or rent your data” tellmegen.com

• ✅ GDPR-based protections (EU privacy law)

👉 One of the few that clearly states no selling.

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3. Living DNA

• ✅ Raw data download

• ✅ Claims not to sell data without consent

• ⚠️ Still may share for research if opted in

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4. Smaller / niche tools (analysis platforms)

• Genetic Genie

• Works on uploaded raw data

• Emphasizes anonymity and free access geneticgenie.org

• DNAGENICS

• Claims it never sells or shares data dnagenics.com

👉 These are not primary testing companies , but privacy-focused analysis tools.

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⚠️ Important nuance (this is where most people get tripped up)

Even companies that say “we don’t sell your data” often:

• Share anonymized or aggregated data for research

• Allow sharing if you opt in (very common)

• May transfer data during acquisition or bankruptcy (this has happened) washingtonpost.com

And once you download your raw DNA and upload it elsewhere:

• you lose control over how third parties use it customercare.23andme.com

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🧠 Practical recommendations

If your criteria are strict:

Best “privacy + raw data” balance

• Nebula Genomics → strongest overall control + full genome

• tellmeGen → explicit no-selling claim (EU-based protections)

Avoid relying on:

• Big consumer brands if your priority is zero third-party exposure

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🧭 A realistic conclusion

• ✔️ Raw data access: easy to get

• ❌ Guaranteed no third-party sharing: rare, often conditional

• ⚠️ Absolute privacy: not fully guaranteed by any commercial DNA company

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If you want, I can narrow this down further (e.g., cheapest options, whole genome vs SNP tests, or companies that allow anonymous sign-up).

Several DNA testing companies prioritize data privacy by providing raw data access while pledging not to sell user data to third parties, most notably Living DNA , Sequencing.com , and MyHeritage. These companies often emphasize that you own your data, provide options for deletion, and comply with strict privacy standards.

Top Choices for Data Privacy & Raw Data Access

• Sequencing.com : Positions itself as a high-privacy choice (HIPAA/GDPR compliant) that never sells user data, allowing for full downloading and deletion of raw data.
• Living DNA : Explicitly states it does not sell or lease user data to third parties, focusing on user-controlled sharing and offering raw data access.
• MyHeritage : Pledges never to sell or license personal/genetic data to third parties.
• MaxGen Labs : Mentioned in forums as a practitioner-trusted option that does not share or sell data.

Important Privacy Considerations

• Opt-in Policies: While many companies (e.g., AncestryDNA, 23andMe) now use opt-in approaches for research sharing rather than selling, they still have different policies regarding law enforcement or partnerships compared to the privacy-focused firms above.
• Data Download: Always check the company's FAQ to ensure they provide raw data files (usually in FASTQ or VCF formats) that you can download.

Note: The privacy landscape can change. Always review a company's current privacy policy and "Terms of Service" before purchasing a kit.

For genetic testing that provides raw DNA data access while promising not to sell or license your data to third parties, private-focused options like Sequencing.com , Living DNA , and MaxGen Labs are top choices. These companies emphasize that you own your data, and they do not sell it to pharmaceutical companies, insurance firms, or law enforcement.

• Sequencing.com: Offers comprehensive, private, and secure genomic data storage. They have a strict "Privacy Forever" policy, allowing you to control and delete your data entirely.
• Living DNA: Explicitly states that they do not sell or license customer genetic data, focusing on providing ancestry and health reports without third-party data sharing.
• MaxGen Labs: Known for being HIPAA-compliant and not sharing or selling data, focusing on user-authorized health insights.
• MyHeritage : Pledges not to sell or license user data, though they are a major genealogy platform.

Key Privacy Considerations:

• 23andMe /AncestryDNA: While allowing raw data downloads, they do collaborate with research partners (e.g., pharmaceutical companies) if users opt-in, as discussed in this Reddit thread and on Facebook.
• Data Security: Always look for companies offering two-factor authentication and clear policies on data deletion to ensure your raw data remains protected.

While some larger databases offer more extensive relative matching, these specialized providers are preferred for maximum privacy.

Short answer: there are a few well-known genetic testing companies that (1) let you download raw DNA data and (2) explicitly state they do not sell or rent individual genetic data , though the privacy details vary and usually depend on consent choices.

Below is a practical, up-to-date breakdown of the main options and what “no selling data” actually means in each case.

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Companies that generally meet both criteria

1) MyHeritage DNA

• Raw DNA access: Yes (downloadable raw data)

• Data selling: They state they do not sell or license user DNA data to third parties blog.myheritage.com

• Notes:

• Allows raw DNA uploads from other companies

• Uses opt-in consent for research

• Offers deletion options for DNA data

Bottom line: One of the more straightforward consumer-friendly privacy policies.

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2) FamilyTreeDNA

• Raw DNA access: Yes (downloadable raw data)

• Data selling: Generally states it does not sell genetic data and uses it mainly for genealogy matching and optional research programs

• Notes:

• Has had law enforcement participation programs (optional)

• Smaller database than major competitors

Bottom line: Stronger genealogy focus, relatively privacy-friendly, but not “zero-sharing ecosystem.”

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3) Nebula Genomics

• Raw DNA access: Yes (whole genome sequencing + downloadable raw data)

• Data selling: Marketed as privacy-first and does not sell data

• Notes:

• Built around full genome sequencing

• Often uses “user-controlled data sharing” model

• Some features require paid subscriptions

Bottom line: One of the most privacy-focused modern services, especially for deeper sequencing.

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4) tellmeGen (EU-based option)

• Raw DNA access: Yes (upload and download depending on plan)

• Data selling: Explicitly states it does not sell or rent user data and operates under GDPR protections tellmegen.com

• Notes:

• Strong European privacy framework (GDPR)

• Often used as a raw data analysis platform rather than primary tester

Bottom line: Good privacy posture, especially for EU-style data protection standards.

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Important nuance: “Do not sell data” doesn’t mean “no sharing”

Even companies that do not sell data may still:

• Share data with service providers (labs, cloud storage)

• Use de-identified/aggregated data for research (if you opt in)

• Transfer data during mergers or acquisitions

• Allow law enforcement access under legal process (varies by company and jurisdiction)

This is standard across the industry.

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Companies to be cautious about (privacy-wise, not necessarily “bad”)

23andMe

• Allows raw data download

• Strong security controls and encryption 23andme.com

• But:

• Has research opt-in programs

• Has faced financial instability and acquisition concerns, which can affect future data handling (important risk factor)

AncestryDNA

• Allows raw data download

• Strong privacy controls, but:

• More emphasis on data ecosystem integration and subscription services

• Does not explicitly market itself as “never shares outside ecosystem”

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Reality check (important)

If your goal is absolute genetic privacy , the uncomfortable truth is:

There is no major consumer DNA testing company that guarantees “zero third-party access ever in any form.”

The closest options are:

• Nebula Genomics (most privacy-forward tech model)

• MyHeritage (clearest “no selling” policy among mainstream genealogy companies)

• FamilyTreeDNA (smaller ecosystem, more limited commercialization)

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If you want, I can tailor this

If you tell me what matters most:

• ancestry accuracy

• health reports

• raw whole genome data

• maximum privacy

• or law enforcement opt-out preference

I can narrow it to the best 1–2 options for your exact use case.

Short answer: most mainstream DNA testing companies do not sell your raw genetic data outright, but their privacy terms vary a lot, especially around research use, third-party sharing, and what happens in mergers or bankruptcy. Also, only a few companies explicitly emphasize full raw data access + stronger “no-sale” positioning.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the major players and privacy-focused alternatives:

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🧬 Companies that provide raw DNA data access + generally do NOT sell user data

🟢 1. 23andMe

• ✔ Lets you download full raw DNA data

• ✔ Strong opt-in model for research

• ✔ States it does not sell individual genetic data without consent

• ⚠️ Can share data with service providers and in mergers/acquisitions

• ⚠️ Data can be transferred if company ownership changes govfacts.org

Bottom line: Good raw data access + relatively strong privacy stance, but not immune to corporate transfer risk.

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🟢 2. AncestryDNA

• ✔ Allows raw DNA download

• ✔ Does not sell individual genetic data

• ✔ Requires explicit consent for research use

• ⚠️ Shares with service providers and affiliates

• ⚠️ Data may transfer in acquisitions or bankruptcy govfacts.org

Bottom line: One of the more privacy-stable mainstream options, especially for genealogy.

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🟢 3. FamilyTreeDNA

• ✔ Provides raw DNA data access

• ✔ Has historically stated it does not sell genetic data

• ✔ Allows law enforcement matching (opt-in/out depending on database segment)

• ⚠️ More flexible sharing policies than Ancestry/23andMe in practice

Bottom line: Privacy-respectful, but more open to data matching use cases.

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🟢 4. MyHeritage

• ✔ Provides raw DNA download

• ✔ States it does not sell or license personal or genetic data

• ✔ Allows opt-in research only

• ⚠️ Family trees and genealogical data sharing settings require careful configuration

Bottom line: Strong “no data selling” claim + solid genealogy focus.

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🟢 5. Privacy-focused sequencing companies (less mainstream)

Nebula Genomics

• ✔ Raw DNA upload + full genome sequencing options

• ✔ Strong “user owns their genome” positioning

• ✔ Claims no selling of customer genetic data

• ✔ Allows data download/export

• ⚠️ Smaller ecosystem than major ancestry platforms nebula.org

Bottom line: Best option if privacy + raw data control is your top priority.

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⚠️ Important reality check (this matters)

Even among “no data selling” companies:

• “Not selling data” ≠ “no sharing”

• Data may still be used for:

• research partnerships

• anonymized aggregation

• law enforcement access (in some cases)

• corporate acquisition transfers

Also:

In the U.S., genetic data is generally not covered by HIPAA , so protections depend heavily on company policy, not federal law. govfacts.org

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🧭 Practical recommendation (simple)

If your priorities are:

🧬 Best balance (features + privacy)

• AncestryDNA

🧬 Strong genealogy + broad matching

• MyHeritage

🧬 More privacy-forward / research-oriented

• FamilyTreeDNA

🧬 Maximum data control / raw genomic ownership mindset

• Nebula Genomics

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If you want, I can also rank them specifically by:

• strictness of privacy policy

• how easily you can delete your data

• how “safe” they are from corporate sale risk

• or which ones are best for ancestry vs health insights

Top genetic testing companies providing raw data access without selling data to third parties include Sequencing.com , Living DNA , and MyHeritage , all of which pledge not to sell or license user data. These services allow you to download your raw DNA data file, which can then be used on independent interpretation sites like Genetic Genie or LiveWello.

• Sequencing.com: Offers a "Privacy Forever" policy, guaranteeing your data is never sold and providing high security, allowing for full deletion at any time.
• Living DNA: Explicitly states they do not sell your data to third parties and provides control over research participation.
• MyHeritage DNA: Pledges not to sell or license genetic data and allows downloading of raw data.
• AncestryDNA /23andMe: Both allow raw data downloads and, as noted by and, do not sell, license, or share user data with insurance companies or third-party marketers, requiring opt-in for research, though they are often used for genealogical matching.

Companies that provide raw DNA data access and emphasize not selling user data to third parties include Sequencing.com , Living DNA , and AncestryDNA. Sequencing.com offers high privacy (HIPAA-compliant) and allows full control/deletion of data. Living DNA and AncestryDNA state they do not sell or license personal information.

Companies with Strict Privacy & Raw Data Access:

• Sequencing.com: Markets itself as a privacy-focused, HIPAA-compliant, and HITECH-compliant, never selling user data to third parties.
• Living DNA: Explicitly states they do not sell customer data and, according to PopSci, does not share research data with for-profit companies.
• AncestryDNA: Claims they do not sell or license personal information, including genetic data, to third parties.
• 23andMe: States they never sell genetic data or share it with insurers/employers without explicit consent, though they do allow data to be used for research if users opt-in, as noted in their 23andMe Privacy Policy.
• MyHeritage : States they do not sell or license personal or genetic data.

Key Privacy Considerations:

• Data Deletion: Many companies, such as Ancestry and Living DNA, allow users to download their raw data and delete their profiles.
• Warrant Compliance: Despite strict privacy policies, all companies are generally legally obligated to comply with valid legal processes (warrants).
• Opt-In Policies: Most providers require users to explicitly opt-in to research or third-party sharing.

Short answer: no major consumer DNA company is truly “no data sale + full raw data access + absolute no third-party sharing” in a strict sense , but several come close depending on how you define “sell” and “share.”

Below is a practical breakdown of the main companies people consider, based on their privacy policies and user controls.

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Companies that do NOT sell your genetic data (without explicit consent)

23andMe

• Raw DNA download: Yes (you can export raw data)

• Data selling: Does not sell individual genetic data without explicit opt-in consent govfacts.org

• Third-party sharing: May share with:

• Service providers (processing, analytics)

• Research programs (only if you opt in)

• Corporate transfers (e.g., mergers/bankruptcy scenarios)

• Important nuance: Even when not “sold,” data may still be transferred or licensed in aggregated or de-identified form under certain conditions.

Bottom line: Strong user controls + raw data access, but not “zero sharing risk.”

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AncestryDNA

• Raw DNA download: Yes

• Data selling: Does not sell individual genetic data

• Third-party sharing: Only with:

• Service providers

• Affiliated companies

• Optional research consent programs govfacts.org

• Key feature: Opt-in research only (similar to 23andMe)

Bottom line: One of the strongest privacy reputations in the consumer DNA space.

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MyHeritage

• Raw DNA download: Yes

• Data selling: States it does not sell DNA data

• Third-party sharing: Limited to service providers and optional research partnerships

• Extra note: Smaller genomics footprint than Ancestry/23andMe, which some users view as a privacy advantage

Bottom line: Generally privacy-respecting, but still uses external processors.

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FamilyTreeDNA

• Raw DNA download: Yes

• Data selling: Does not sell data as a business model

• Third-party sharing: Can share with law enforcement in specific forensic contexts (GEDmatch-style matching programs)

• Important distinction: More open genealogy ecosystem, which some users prefer—and others avoid

Bottom line: Good control, but more openness in genealogy matching can increase exposure risk.

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Companies that are more privacy-focused (but smaller / less mainstream)

Nebula Genomics

• Raw data: Yes (whole genome sequencing focus)

• Privacy model: Emphasizes blockchain-based or encrypted data ownership models

• Data selling: Claims no sale of raw genetic data; optional research monetization is opt-in

Bottom line: One of the strongest “privacy-first” models, but more expensive and less mainstream.

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Sequencing.com

• Raw data: Yes

• Data control: Users can upload/download/manage raw genome data

• Privacy model: Claims user-owned data framework with opt-in sharing

Bottom line: Flexible, but still depends heavily on trust in policy enforcement.

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Key reality check (important)

Even the “best privacy” DNA companies share a few unavoidable traits:

• They often rely on third-party processors (cloud storage, analytics)

• “Not selling data” ≠ “never sharing data”

• De-identified data can sometimes be re-identified in genetic datasets (a known research issue)

• Company ownership changes (sale, bankruptcy, acquisition) can change data handling rules

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If your priority is strictest privacy

Look for:

• Explicit “no sale ever” policy

• Strong opt-in-only research

• Ability to delete raw data + biological sample

• Transparent data retention rules

Best practical picks today:

• AncestryDNA (best mainstream privacy balance)

• MyHeritage (good alternative ecosystem)

• Nebula Genomics (most privacy-forward overall)

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If you want, I can narrow this down based on your goal (ancestry only vs health reports vs raw genome export vs law-enforcement resistance concerns).