DNA lab research
A second research area, alongside our main work with California data brokers. Updated November 2, 2026.
Research stage. ZeroKept doesn't offer a DNA product today. We're interested in talking with paternity, relationship and consumer DNA testing labs about how sample and data destruction works now.
Where ZeroKept started
ZeroKept began when its founder looked for a DNA test that wouldn't keep his data, and found that labs could promise to destroy samples but had no independent way to show it. DNA is permanent: it identifies a person and their relatives, and it can't be reset like a password.
Why it matters
- 23andMe's 2023 breach exposed about 6.9 million accounts and was later settled for $30 million (Malwarebytes).
- 23andMe's customer genetic data was sold for $305 million in its bankruptcy (Paul, Weiss).
The idea we're exploring
Comparing three independent records of the same destruction, with each kit tracked by a code rather than a name:
- The lab's own destruction record for the sample.
- The medical-waste vendor's record for the same batch.
- Confirmation that the key protecting the customer's genetic data was deleted.
Where the records agree, that's documented; where they don't, or one is missing, that's recorded as a finding.
What it can't show
Comparing records can't establish that no copy of the data exists anywhere else, such as in a backup or with a partner the lab didn't disclose. Results would cover only the records and systems actually checked. ZeroKept never handles samples and is not a testing lab.
Talk with us
If you run or work at a DNA testing lab, a 20-minute conversation about your current process would help. No purchase, partnership or customer data involved.