AncestryDNA Releases Raw Data

Earlier this week, Ancestry.com began releasing raw data to purchasers of the AncestryDNA autosomal DNA product.  Several others have written great articles on AncestryDNA’s new raw data, so I’ll point you to their articles instead of rehashing everything here:

• EDITED (03/24/2013) – Expect a post  on this subject very soon from CeCe Moore at Your Genetic Genealogist!

• “Downloading Ancestry’s Autosomal DNA Raw Data File” by Roberta Estes at DNAeXplained
• “AncestryDNA updates” by Debbie Kennett at Crewys news
• “The raw data at AncestryDNA” by Judy G. Russell at The Legal Genealogist

Within the next few weeks and months, you’ll be able to use the AncestryDNA raw data at places like Family Tree DNA and Gedmatch.com.

But note an issue that I first brought up on a mailing list last Thursday when the announcement came out.  The following language is found on the page after you click on the final download link:

The raw data is subject to the AncestryDNA Terms and Conditions and AncestryDNA Privacy Statement. You must not use the raw data in whole, in part and/or in combination with any other database for any discriminatory, breach of privacy or otherwise illegal activity (for example, to re-identify any anonymous donor or to make insurance or employment decisions).

Under “Rules of Conduct” in Section 5 of the Terms and Conditions, Ancestry.com states:

In addition, the following policies are part of this Agreement and must be followed anytime you access the AncestryDNA Website:

D. You must not use the information from the AncestryDNA website or DNA tests (including any downloaded raw DNA data) in whole, in part and/or in combination with any other database for any discriminatory, breach of privacy or otherwise illegal activity (for example, to re-identify any anonymous donor or to make insurance or employment decisions).

These Rules of Conduct are not exclusive. If we believe, in our sole discretion, that you are in breach of this Agreement, are acting inconsistently with the letter or spirit of this Agreement or otherwise interfering with the efficient management or delivery of the AncestryDNA Website, Service or Content, we may limit, suspend or terminate your access to our AncestryDNA Website. In such a case, no portion of your subscription payment will be refunded. Should we decide to suspend or terminate your access for any reason other than your actions or omissions which we believe to be inconsistent with this Agreement we will refund to you any unused portion of your payment, which will be your sole and exclusive remedy upon such a suspension.

Presumably “any anonymous donor” means someone who sent their DNA into AncestryDNA anonymously rather than, for example, a sperm donor, although the language is not clear.

It will be interested to see how this develops.  Stay tuned!