No. MyHeritage will only process your DNA sample with your explicit consent upon kit activation.
During DNA kit activation, you will be asked to review and agree to the following consent options:
Participation in MyHeritage Research
Consent for your deidentified and aggregated DNA data to be used in MyHeritage's internal DNA Research Project.
Individual Data Sharing
A separate, optional consent to share your deidentified genetic data with trusted academic institutions and pharmaceutical research partners. This screen is shown even if you declined Participation in MyHeritage Research.
If you consent to Individual Data Sharing, you may also be offered the following additional options:
Matching to Electronic Health Records — available to users in the United States only. This allows research partners to cross-reference your deidentified DNA data with electronic health records for research purposes. This is not related to the MyHeritage DNA Health upgrade.
Future Research Opportunities — allows research partners to contact you if you are found to be relevant for future research studies or follow-ups.
You are free to say yes or no to each option independently. Your choices can be updated at any time from the “My Privacy” section of your account. Learn more about DNA specific privacy options here: What are the privacy options for my DNA data?
Please note: These research consent options are not shown during activation if the DNA kit is being activated on behalf of a person under 18 years old, or if the account is located in Spain, Turkey, or the US states of Montana, Indiana, Virginia, or Washington.