How to navigate the FIGG landscape

GEDmatch PRO has emerged as a critical platform in the world of forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG), a technology that combines DNA sequencing and genealogy to solve missing persons and humans remains identification cases. The platform allows further investigations by providing leads where there were none before. Serving as a custodian of an invaluable database, GEDmatch PRO has continuously evolved to enhance user experience, strengthen security and expand its capabilities in both public genealogy and forensic research.

Securing and empowering the future of GEDmatch PRO

Since its acquisition in 2019 by Verogen, now a QIAGEN company, GEDmatch PRO has seen continuous improvements with the introduction of new tools such as:

• Family search
• Relationship calculator
• Kit number dropdown menu
• Email address masking
• Tool connectivity so you can jump from one tool to another using your kit number
• Constantly ongoing security updates

Protecting user data privacy

GEDmatch PRO takes data privacy seriously, ensuring that users have comprehensive protections. Its terms of service and privacy policy clearly outline data handling practices. The tool empowers its users by offering a choice of privacy options when uploading their data.

Active selection is required, ensuring users decide what they consent to, whether it be having their data used for violent crime and missing persons investigations, research or only for private data usage.

Continuous improvement for GEDmatch PRO

The platform encourages public participation in genealogy research through peer-to-peer advocacy. It also fosters a public outreach program, education and engagement through the Genetic Witness Program.

• GEDmatch PRO remains committed to enhancing its services by:
• Creating a more intuitive and user-friendly interface
• Leveraging AI to provide faster insights and more accurate answers
• Implementing user-requested features to continuously improve the platform

It also offers a customer support portal for assisting customers, and the visitor website provides tools for engagement and education even for non-account holders.

Challenges, opportunities and the future

GEDmatch PRO and FIGG continue to navigate a rapidly changing landscape. The goal is to democratize genetic genealogy and forensic investigations by scaling operations, enhancing training and education and maintaining compliance with ethical and operational standards.

As the custodian of GEDmatch PRO, our aim is to involve all stakeholders and users in the process of improvement, fostering transparency and collaboration. It’s not just a tool; it’s a movement toward empowering public genealogy and forensic human identification.

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