Genealogy website used to track down ‘Golden State Killer’ suspect

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Expredel

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...echanic/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.83f3881dbd8f

Didn't 23andme recently allow uploading raw data files to find DNA relatives?

https://familyhistorydaily.com/genealogy-help-and-how-to/23andme-free-ancestry-report

All the FBI would have to do is sequence someone's DNA, convert the file to the AncestryDNA format, upload it to 23andme, and get a bunch of cousin matches. Arguably unethical, but I don't think too many people will cry about it when they use it for the high profile cases.
 
Fox News said that the Authority found the Killer by comparing his DNA with the Public Data on Gedmatch.
No abuse of privacy took place and a Search Warrant wasn’t needed.

“.... Authorities' biggest tools was GEDMatch, a Florida-based website that pools DNA profiles that people upload and share publicly, Paul Holes, one of the team’s top officials, told the Mercury News on Friday. ...”
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/04/2...ns-due-to-use-genealogy-dna-testing-site.html
 
Expredel said:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...echanic/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.83f3881dbd8f
Didn't 23andme recently allow uploading raw data files to find DNA relatives?
https://familyhistorydaily.com/genealogy-help-and-how-to/23andme-free-ancestry-report
All the FBI would have to do is sequence someone's DNA, convert the file to the AncestryDNA format, upload it to 23andme, and get a bunch of cousin matches. Arguably unethical, but I don't think too many people will cry about it when they use it for the high profile cases.
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not against the law to obtain dna samples from every person who enters prison in Australia, no privacy issues either ...............there more privacy issues in presenting your birth, death and marriage certificates then DNA IMO
 
Expredel said:
Same for the USA. Hopefully they'll get pretty efficient at rounding up rapists.

According to the associated press they used ysearch.org

https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/w...r-free-dna-website-helped-crack-case-54780876
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they also take blood samples from newborn to see if there are any medical issues......but also for future paternity issues in divorces .......database for blood types, and many more........in the end their will be no privacy issues in regards to DNA
 
Expredel said:
All the FBI would have to do is sequence someone's DNA, convert the file to the AncestryDNA format, upload it to 23andme, and get a bunch of cousin matches. Arguably unethical, but I don't think too many people will cry about it when they use it for the high profile cases.
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Why would that be unethical? If it helps catch dangerous criminals, it is the definition of ethical, is it not?
 
Maciamo said:
Why would that be unethical? If it helps catch dangerous criminals, it is the definition of ethical, is it not?
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Accessing a DNA database in violation of the user agreement should require a court order. GEDmatch's user agreement is a bit of a gray area, but it appears to allow the use of the site for criminal investigations.
 
Expredel said:
Accessing a DNA database in violation of the user agreement should require a court order. GEDmatch's user agreement is a bit of a gray area, but it appears to allow the use of the site for criminal investigations.
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They are probably searching against public kits. All of mine can be matched by anybody for any reason. You don't have to upload it if you want it private.

Is there info that says they used non-public kits?
 
I1a3_Young said:
They are probably searching against public kits. All of mine can be matched by anybody for any reason. You don't have to upload it if you want it private.

Is there info that says they used non-public kits?
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You could be right. When a person decides to have a kit out in public, he/she should be aware of the risks.
 
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