(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-10-25 17:21

Ancestry already has some tools for adding photos and other files and plans additional features by year's end. For example, Ancestry will let users with the same last name compare DNA results and collaborate.

To protect privacy, individuals born within the past 100 years won't show up by name in searches. A user may try to contact that individual through GeneTree, and only with that person's approval would a name appear. Approval also allows the initial user to view the profile page and add files.

Company officials also say that the segment of DNA analyzed is the portion of little value to law enforcement officials wishing to identify suspects or to insurance companies and employers looking to assess one's predisposition to certain diseases.

That portion happens to be most useful for genealogical research because it doesn't play any role in human functions, meaning it is more likely to withstand mutations over time and provide unique markers for comparison with ancestors.

Ancestry makes similar privacy pledges.

Although some people likely will resist sharing anything related to DNA, Eastman said, many like him would welcome such a research tool.

DNA testing is optional to users of either site, and users can choose to have tests taken elsewhere.

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