Buzz
If you're trying to keep your genetic data away from law enforcement, just avoiding GEDmatch won't cut it. Family Tree DNA has publicly acknowledged that it allows law enforcement to utilize their service and is currently collaborating with the FBI on several cases.
If you're fine with this, that's okay! Some might argue that this is an effective way to capture criminals and identify victims. However, most users in Family Tree’s database joined before this policy change and didn’t give consent for their data to be used in this way. Also, keep in mind that your relatives share your DNA, so even if you didn’t agree, your information could be available if your family members, like an aunt who loves genealogy, are involved. Since Family Tree DNA hosts around a million people, the average American probably has a few third cousins included.
What should I do if my DNA is included in Family Tree’s database?
If you provided a saliva sample to Family Tree DNA, or uploaded data from another service, you might want to consider disabling matching by following these instructions. This will prevent law enforcement from accessing your DNA, but it will also prevent your relatives from finding you—potentially defeating the point of using the service in the first place.
Should I be concerned if my data is stored in another database, such as 23andme or Ancestry?
These platforms operate differently. 23andme and Ancestry don’t permit users, including law enforcement, to upload DNA data to search for matches. The only way to get your DNA into their system is by submitting a saliva sample.
GEDmatch doesn’t conduct its own testing; instead, it allows users to upload their data from other services. If your information is in GEDmatch, law enforcement could upload DNA from a crime scene or a suspect. Your data might show up in their search results. If you're uncomfortable with this, adjust your settings to 'private' or 'research.'
Are DNA databases routinely sharing data with law enforcement?
With a valid court order, any database may be compelled to release data. As per their transparency reports, 23andme states that it resists all requests, and has never had to provide any data. Ancestry admits to sharing basic user details, but never genetic information.
23andme, Ancestry, and Family Tree DNA are the biggest consumer DNA databases, but you may have used a different service. Visit their website to find their transparency report (which details how many data requests they’ve received and whether they complied) and their law enforcement guide (outlining their policies). Keep in mind, policies can change at any time.
