Online genealogy has created an unregulated forensic database for police

[Bohemian]

How online genealogy created an unregulated forensic database for police

‘DNA forensics was once reserved for official police labs, but thanks to the internet and a new wave of start-ups, those official barriers are wearing away.

Commercial DNA testing services and crowdsourced genetic databases are helping people find long-lost relatives.

But a recent American case shows how these platforms can be used in criminal investigations, sometimes without a warrant or prior consent.

For critics, this raises concerns about the growing shadow market for highly personal information — as well as the implications for people who can be tracked down using these platforms without ever signing up.’

 

[Seahorseladydi]

How online genealogy created an unregulated forensic database for police

‘DNA forensics was once reserved for official police labs, but thanks to the internet and a new wave of start-ups, those official barriers are wearing away.

Commercial DNA testing services and crowdsourced genetic databases are helping people find long-lost relatives.

But a recent American case shows how these platforms can be used in criminal investigations, sometimes without a warrant or prior consent.

For critics, this raises concerns about the growing shadow market for highly personal information — as well as the implications for people who can be tracked down using these platforms without ever signing up.’

I personally have no problem with this AT ALL! I have nothing to hide. My oldest son bought him & I a 23&me kit I am very excited to get our results because 1. I was adopted and could never find my birth father. 2. We know very little about my oldest sons birth father.
I remember lots of “opt-out” questions along the way while registering. So, you can opt-out of many many things. My son and I are just very curious. He is getting married in November and this test also tells you all kinds of things that can be passed down to your children. Which is simply amazing!
As far as the “criminal” side of this. If you have nothing to hide you should not be worried. I support it 100%.

 

[Bohemian]

I personally have no problem with this AT ALL! I have nothing to hide. My oldest son bought him & I a 23&me kit I am very excited to get our results because 1. I was adopted and could never find my birth father. 2. We know very little about my oldest sons birth father.
I remember lots of “opt-out” questions along the way while registering. So, you can opt-out of many many things. My son and I are just very curious. He is getting married in November and this test also tells you all kinds of things that can be passed down to your children. Which is simply amazing!
As far as the “criminal” side of this. If you have nothing to hide you should not be worried. I support it 100%.

Yep, if you have nothing to hide; hide nothing!