Perspective on the use of investigative genetic genealogy in Brazil

Abstract

Since 2018, investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) has been used as a novel technology to solve cold cases. But IGG presents several ethical issues regarding privacy and regulation. IGG has never been used in Brazil although the number of direct-to-consumer (DTC) ancestry tests has been increasing and its users use open platforms in which IGG can be applied, such as GEDMatch, being susceptible to the same ethical problems as in those countries where IGG is being applied. We conducted an online survey with 166 clients of DTC ancestry tests (DTC) and 35 Brazilian CODIS Administrators (ADM) to evaluate their knowledge about the forensic application of genetic genealogy, their opinion about it, and a possible application in Brazil. Both groups support using IGG in violent crimes and missing persons (58.5% of DTC and 34.3% of ADM) but also showed concerns about the legislation and ethical issues (78.9–55.4% DTC and 97–65% ADM). Furthermore, 20% of ADM were against the use of this technique compared to the DTC (4%), probably due to the lack of knowledge of the methodology, its scope, and limitations. These results show the need to broaden the discussion on the IGG in various sectors of society.