On September 24th, 2019 the Department of Justice announced its Interim Policy on Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching. Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) is when Genealogists use a combination of public DNA databases and traditional family history research methods to help solve investigations. I go into detail and provide examples of how exactly genetic genealogists can do this and also why it poses such a risk in regards to privacy in this blog.
Forensic Genetic Genealogists have already solved a large amount of crimes using these methods; the most notable was when they helped identify The Golden State Killer, Joseph DeAngelo last year. As I’ve mentioned time and time again there are huge privacy concerns that come along with Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing. The largest concern comes from the fact that de-identified genetic data can be re-identified and this not only impacts your own privacy but also the privacy of your relatives. I go into detail about the concerns and the realities of re-identification in this blog.
“We must not prioritize investigative advancement above our commitments to privacy and civil liberties; and that is why we have released our Interim Policy..to provide guidance on maintaining that crucial balance. ”
The interim policy (which goes into effect on November 1st, 2019) includes the requirements for the use of FGG by law enforcement, guidelines for collaboration (for investigators, lab personnel, and prosecutors), the criteria that a particular case must meet in order for FGG to be used, and how the practice is used to generate leads for crimes that have yet to be solved. Basically all other techniques to solve a crime must first be exhausted in order for FGG to even be considered. In 2020 there will be a final Department Policy on Forensic Genetic Genealogy issued.