Here’s the ‘open-source’ genealogy DNA website that helped crack the Golden State Killer case
🕑 Added 2018-04-27 14:56:39 +0000 UTC The bulk of the DNA grunt work investigators used to help capture the suspected Golden State Killer, the notorious rapist and killer who eluded law enforcement for four decades, came on a no-frills, “open-source” genealogy website that allows users to share their genetic profiles for free.
Comments
Laura Carlson
I completely understand the desire to know more about your family. However, you are paying to give them something that they will be able to monetize in more ways than we (or maybe they) know. And as mentioned above, your DNA will be used against you by the medical insurance companies. Medicare for all and then that won’t be a problem.
Diana Jacobacci
You know, I often wondered about the security of such programs. I guess I don't "get" it because I don't have anything in particular I want to know, but I see the lure for people who might be adopted or suspect that they have family they don't know about. Still, opens a whoooooole lot of issues/concerns, just like you noted.
Jill M Shaheen
Stop giving away your DNA profiles, people. Pretty soon the Health Companies will buy up your genetic info so they can deny coverage or set rates based on potential health concerns due to genetic flags. There is no law to protect your privacy here. While catching a killer is good, it just goes to show how DNA databases can get a little too Minority Report-y for comfort. PS - I think it's super cool how we caught this guy - just scares the hell out of me privacy-wise.