When you register your DNA test, you can choose whether or not to participate in the Ancestry® Human Diversity Project, a scientific research project aimed at helping scientists better understand population history, population movements, and human health. This research may be done by AncestryDNA® and shared outside the company, and may also be done in collaboration with or by third party researchers. The Ancestry Human Diversity Project does not relate to our product research and development. For more details, see our AncestryDNA Informed Consent.
Data and biological samples may be shared with collaborators and collaborator partners, but will be shared without your name, contact information or other common identifying information. When your biological sample is shared, it is labeled with only a code. Participation in this research is voluntary and is not required to use any of our products or services. If you consent to participate in the research, you may withdraw your consent at any time, but your information will not be removed from research that is in progress or completed.
Data used
When you give consent, researchers may use all data that you provide to us when you use our services, including biological samples and any data derived from those samples:
- DNA samples: biological samples that you voluntarily provide to us now or in the future
- Genetic data: information derived from processing your DNA sample through genomic, molecular, and computational analyses using various technologies, such as genotyping and whole or partial genome sequencing. Genetic data is broader than just the results delivered to you when you use the AncestryDNA test and includes a range of DNA markers such as those associated with your health or other conditions.
- Self-reported health and trait data: information that you voluntarily share with us about the health, medical conditions, diseases, lifestyle or other traits of you and your family members
- Family tree data: information that you voluntarily share with us about yourself and family members when creating family trees. Family trees you mark as “private” are not used for the project.
- Other data about you: information that you share with us when you register, create a profile, or use your account, and information we obtain from other sources, such as publicly available genealogical data or demographic information
- Additional data that may be shared in the future: other information you voluntarily share with us as we expand our services, such as biosensor data recorded by mobile phones or activity trackers or health and wellness data collected from other devices. You are under no obligation to share additional data with us. However, if you do and you have given consent to participate in the project, it may be used by the researchers.
We take your privacy seriously and value the trust you put in us when you allow us to use your data. For more information, see our Privacy Center.
Consenting or withdrawing consent
You can consent or refrain from consenting to the research project while registering your DNA test. After registering, you can change the status of your consent through your DNA Settings page at any time.
Go to DNA settings (Or click the DNA tab > click Settings in the top-right corner.)
- In the Privacy section under Research Consent, click Change next to The Ancestry Human Diversity Project.
- If you’re withdrawing consent, click Withdraw Consent. If you’re consenting, select the box confirming that you've read the Informed Consent and click Participate in Research Project.
