Entering fake data in your 23andme test.

[Nerdic]

Hello everyone. I am willing to get my DNA tested to see my ancestry, but what ultimately interests me is SNP mutations to try to improve my health.

Anyway, the thing is, I am too paranoid that some company has my full credentials linked to the DNA test. I am not interested in finding random relatives, well it would be cool, but not at the expense of a loss of privacy. For this, my question is: Can I enter fake data (fake name basically) and still get everything done and delivered?
Sure I would need to give my address to get my shit delivered, but is there a way to do it in a way that they have another name linked to the DNA test and not my real name?

Thanks

[Longbowman]

Yes, you can. Enter whatever name you like.

[Lawalye]

Put Mustafa Aboubakar.

[Nerdic]

Yes, you can. Enter whatever name you like.

So how does it work. Because they will recieve your spit in a package that cointains your real data (the local postal office needs my data)
So the plan would be to make it look as if the spit belongs to someone else?
If I put a fake name, how do I get the results send back to me? oh but actually, there's no physical results to be sent, it's just an email right? I think I get it. but still, the package they recieve will not be the same name I register on 23andme with.

[Longbowman]

So how does it work. Because they will recieve your spit in a package that cointains your real data (the local postal office needs my data)
So the plan would be to make it look as if the spit belongs to someone else?
If I put a fake name, how do I get the results send back to me? oh but actually, there's no physical results to be sent, it's just an email right? I think I get it. but still, the package they recieve will not be the same name I register on 23andme with.

You can't use a fake address, but a fake name should be no issue. Just put 'fakename, real road, real post/zip code, real town.'

[Lawalye]

You can't use a fake address, but a fake name should be no issue. Just put 'fakename, real road, real post/zip code, real town.'

DHL may asked an identity card, I think.

[Longbowman]

DHL may asked an identity card, I think.

Not for me.

[Lawalye]

Not for me.

Yes but it can happen and if he don't get his packages after third times, they'll put it in their warehouse and there you'll be asked to show your ID card to have it.

He should put his last name with a random first name or his mother's maiden name with an random first name, he'll always have the opportunity to explain that it's an error.

[Era]

I think 23andme lets you put your name in the kit as you like it, and you can put your real name on the envelope to avoid any issues with the delivery service

[Graham]

Know someone who uses a fake name on 23andme. Trog from Anthroscape

[Gaston]

Names are the least of your concerns. 23andme (v4) has over 600,000 bits (SNPs) of your privacy at their disposition.

It's really worrying on the tiny details.


If you don't want people to contact you on 23andme, you can change your name (or even opt out from the sharing invitation tool). I'd also advise to use a great-grandmother's surname for instance, it's not your name but it's not completely foreign either.