How to Anonymize Living People in DNA Diagrams

Nicole Dyer discusses the need to anonymize living DNA test takers in published genealogical reports unless they give permission to share their personally identifying information. She explains that test takers' identification of their parents suffices for documentation of the parent-child link, but cites from living test takers to their grandparents should be anonymized if no permission is granted. While preserving privacy, Dyer notes the importance of providing sufficient verifiable data to allow others to evaluate the DNA evidence. She suggests giving test takers options like using pseudonyms or codes instead of names, and obtaining written consent from those willing to be fully identified. Dyer acknowledges the tradeoff between privacy and documentation credibility when anonymizing.
In the Research Like a Pro with DNA Q&A series, study group and eCourse members ask questions, and we answer. To view more questions and answers in this series, go here: • Q&A from Research Like... . To join the Research Like a Pro with DNA online course, and learn how to integrate DNA evidence into your genealogy research, click here: familylocket.c...