Gedmatch no longer accepting FTDNA kits

[Lindsay]

Gedmatch no longer accepting FTDNA kits

I have just been notified of this action. Is there a reason for it and will FtDNA pull their/my data from GEDMatch ?

[loobster]

"Family Tree DNA and GEDmatch jointly announce that we are in serious conversations regarding issues that have resulted in GEDmatch discontinuing uploads of FTDNA data. Both companies recognize the importance of these talks to their customers and are committed to quickly resolve differences. We regret any inconvenience that may have been caused and assure our users that our primary focus and efforts are geared toward your benefit.

Do not believe that actually represents a change in FTDNA's position. Think it is just a much more competent and intelligent phrasing than in FTDNA's earlier announcement, copied here: http://forums.familytreedna.com/show...3&postcount=27

Either way, I am glad to hear serious noises are being made indicating they hope to resolve the issues soon, and hope they succeed.

[jeffcdal]

Why were FTDNA's Customers Not Notified of this Security/Privacy Concern?

FTDNA,

When you first became aware of the GEDmatch Security/Privacy concern, why did you not first notify your customers that their personal data was at risk so they could take steps to protect it? Like many, I first learned of this issue second-hand when GEDmatch announced your request to stop uploading data from FTDNA users.

You stated in one of your FaceBook posts that "More than one customer that has uploaded their FamilyTreeDNA data to GEDMatch has contacted us about a way for people to breach the privacy of a person's Family Tree DNA record, when uploading their information to GEDMatch". So you knew of that risk and yet did not notify your customers.

Your first action, so far as I know, was to go after GEDmatch with threats of legal action. Were you going to let us know later that our data was at risk, or did you want to quietly sweep things under the rug and keep us in the dark?

How can I possibly trust FTDNA to keep my data private and secure if you are not forthcoming about Security/Privacy concerns such as this?

[johnson094]

Gedmatch suspends uploads of FTDNA raw data

From what I have read on other forums, FTDNA has concerns over "privacy issues" and has threatened legal recourse if Gedmatch does not comply with the requests of FTDNA. First of all, this is MY raw data to do with as I please and I upload to gedmatch by choice and am fully aware of what is shared with my matches, no more than what FTDNA allows me to share. Secondly, if FTDNA would provide the proper tools for doing legitimate autosomal DNA comparison, there would be no need to migrate to Gedmatch.

Gedmatch is not in competition with FTDNA nor any other testing company, they merely provide the tools for conducting meaningful autosomal DNA comparison and rather than disrupt this work, FTDNA should work to resolve this issue in the best interests of the majority of the testers and not just the few who test and cloak their results.

[johnson094]

Hello,

I have been reporting how displeased members have been over this and those that have chosen to discontinue their relationship with Family Tree DNA. I am trying to make your voices heard with management.

One thing I wanted to point out regarding issue 4 in the face book post, apparently you can only see the terms of service for gedmatch after you log in. There is nothing posted on just gedmatch.com or on the registration page. Not trying to make excuses, was just hoping to clarify this one issue.

-Darren

Family Tree DNA

Registration alone at Gedmatch does not require commitment of downloading raw data, nor does it jeopardize any FTDNA private information. With the registration alone, you can access the policy page prior to upload; and, as I just checked on their site you now have access to the policy page prior to registering.

[Jim Barrett]

Registration alone at Gedmatch does not require commitment of downloading raw data, nor does it jeopardize any FTDNA private information. With the registration alone, you can access the policy page prior to upload; and, as I just checked on their site you now have access to the policy page prior to registering.

It also gives you access to the DONATE link at the bottom of the first page after you sign in. If you like what GEDmatch has done and what they are doing this would be a good time to make a donation to support their FREE SERVICE.

[John F Smeltzer]

GEDmatch Tier 1 utilities are great and well worth the little added cost to access and maintain them.

[apologetics42003]

What's next, the U.S. Postal Service demanding the directories institute an arbitrator system?

[Robertjm]

I know you're probably trying to be sarcastic. But, what does this even mean? What directoris?

What's next, the U.S. Postal Service demanding the directories institute an arbitrator system?

[Tenn4ever]

I know you're probably trying to be sarcastic. But, what does this even mean? What directoris?

I think we have now descended into the twilight zone.

[stargirlidaho]

FTDNA should have had all customers agree that if they uploaded their data to any site, then the customer would be solely responsible for it, period, end of story. What kind of legal, security people are working for them, anyway. Some people aren't doing their job, and the customers are paying for it. I for one am still trying to figure out if I want to stay with this company.

[ech124]

Talks between the companies seem to be going in the right direction. It looks like FTDNA is making some changes to the files they download. Here is the note on Gedmatch now:

Raw DNA file Uploads
We are ready to receive FTDNA raw DNA files as soon as the new file format becomes available for download from the FTDNA site.

[wkauffman]

Talks between the companies seem to be going in the right direction. It looks like FTDNA is making some changes to the files they download. Here is the note on Gedmatch now:

Raw DNA file Uploads
We are ready to receive FTDNA raw DNA files as soon as the new file format becomes available for download from the FTDNA site.

New file format? How many other 3rd party activities may break due to this change? Can an example of the new file format be provided ASAP?

[loobster]

I sure would like to know what they are doing to the files. Most of the Kits I manage, I have not downloaded / saved the Raw Data Files - esp. since only use Public Computers, and have found no way to read from Public Computer on my Flash Drive.

But losing more info or ?? Sounding like I may be very sorry very soon. Yes? Or??

[tlgarrison]

For now you can still download the two different types available: Build 37 and Build 36. They are still there and I just tested it and downloaded mine again.

I don't take chances so as soon as results come in on any of my tests and the downloads are available I get them just in case something like this happens.