Public preferences for investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) programs: A discrete choice experiment

Investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) uses data from genetic relative-finder services to assist law enforcement in identifying unknown individuals through crime scene DNA. Its use raises concerns about privacy infringements and acceptable trade-offs for public safety. We assessed the public acceptability of IGG and preferences for specific IGG programs.

We conducted a survey with an embedded choice experiment among US adults recruited through a probability-based panel. IGG acceptability was assessed through attitudinal questions. Preferences for IGG programs were assessed using a discrete choice experiment with 6 attributes: crime type, additional cases solved, customer privacy, privacy of genetic relatives, case status, and priority populations. Choice data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression to generate relative attribute importance.

Among 1123 participants (52% female, 61% White), 88% believed it was ever acceptable to use IGG to investigate any crime, with only 5% indicating it should never be used. Privacy of genetic relatives and additional cases solved were the most influential factors in the selection of IGG programs (relative attribute importance, 33% and 31%, respectively).

IGG was generally acceptable to US adults. Policymakers and experts developing IGG programs may improve public trust by ensuring that the programs are maximally effective and by embedding privacy protections for noncustomer genetic relatives.