Which genetic testing companies provide raw DNA data access and do not sell user data to third parties?

Brands AI recommends here

1. =1Sequencing.comSequencing.com is a strong privacy choice due to its HIPAA-compliant system and a Privacy Forever policy that prohibits the sale or sharing of genetic data with third-party marketers, employers, or insurance companies.72%
2. =123andMe72%
3. 3MyHeritageMyHeritage is a preferred option because it explicitly pledges never to sell or license genetic data to third parties, including insurers and employers, while providing users with access to their own raw data for download.63%
4. 4AncestryDNA61%

The strongest fit: Nebula

Nebula is the one I'd put at the top of your specific criteria because it actually performs genomic sequencing and provides access to your underlying genomic files. Its current materials say it will “NEVER sell your data for our own profit,” and its terms say users can download a VCF file; CRAM/FASTQ files can be requested, potentially with a transfer fee.Nebula Genomics+1

There is an important distinction, though: “doesn't sell your data” doesn't mean “never shares your data.” Nebula's terms allow third-party companies to perform DNA extraction, sequencing, and analysis, with sharing limited to what's necessary to provide the service.Nebula Genomics

What I'd be cautious about

I would not automatically put AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA into the “does not sell user data” category without qualifying the answer. Their policies can distinguish between selling genetic data, sharing data with service providers, research, advertising/marketing, and disclosures required by law. Those distinctions matter substantially for privacy-conscious testing.

Also, a company's statement that it doesn't “sell” data is narrower than a guarantee that your DNA will never leave the company. If your goal is maximum control, I'd look for all of these simultaneously:

• Raw data download in a standard format (VCF, FASTQ, BAM/CRAM, etc.)
• No sale of genetic information
• No research use without explicit opt-in
• No sharing with advertisers
• No sharing with insurers/employers
• Ability to delete the account and genetic data
• Ability to request destruction of the physical DNA sample
• Clear law-enforcement disclosure policy
• No mandatory participation in DNA-relative matching

Nebula currently comes closest to that combination among the companies I checked.Nebula Genomics+1

If you'd like, I can also do a more comprehensive comparison of 10–15 DNA-testing companies, checking each one's current 2026 privacy policy for raw-data access, data sales, research sharing, law-enforcement access, sample destruction, and deletion rights.

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 dataSource 1

• 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.

⚖️ 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 sharingSource 1

• Data may still be transferred in events like mergers or bankruptcy (this has actually been a real concern)Source 1

👉 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.

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 consentSource 1

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

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.

🚨 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 itselfSource 1

3. Laws are weak

• Genetic testing companies are not covered by HIPAA in most casesSource 1

🧪 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

🧠 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)

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.

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. Your DNA Guide - Diahan Southard +2

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

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

🔒 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.

2. tellmeGen

• ✅ Raw data access/upload

• ✅ Explicit claim: “never sell or rent your data”Source 1

• ✅ GDPR-based protections (EU privacy law)

👉 One of the few that clearly states no selling.

3. Living DNA

• ✅ Raw data download

• ✅ Claims not to sell data without consent

• ⚠️ Still may share for research if opted in

4. Smaller / niche tools (analysis platforms)

• Genetic Genie

• Works on uploaded raw data

• Emphasizes anonymity and free accessSource 1

• DNAGENICS

• Claims it never sells or shares dataSource 1

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

⚠️ 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)Source 1

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

• you lose control over how third parties use itSource 1

🧠 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

🧭 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

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).

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

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

Offers deletion options for DNA data

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

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.”

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.

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 protectionsSource 1

• 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.

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.

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

23andMe

• Allows raw data download

• Strong security controls and encryptionSource 1

• 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”

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)

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.

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

🟢 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 bankruptcySource 1

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

🟢 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.

🟢 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.

🟢 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 platformsSource 1

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

⚠️ 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.Source 1

🧭 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

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