Investigative Genetic Genealogy Matching (IGGM) Introduction

On a case-by-case basis, FamilyTreeDNA grants law enforcement and, in some cases, third parties working with law enforcement permission to upload a genetic file in an effort to help identify the remains of a deceased individual or a perpetrator of a homicide, abduction, or sexual assault. Permission is only granted after the required documentation is submitted, reviewed, and approved. For more information, please see our Law Enforcement Guide.

If you are opted in to Investigative Genetic Genealogy Matching (IGGM), you will only show up in the matches list of an Investigative Genetic Genealogy user account if ALL of the following requirements are met:

You are a DNA relative of the DNA file uploaded to the Investigative Genetic Genealogy user account.
Both you and the Investigative Genetic Genealogy user account have the same matching levels selected.

If an Investigative Genetic Genealogy user account meets the above requirements, the information accessible to them will be identical to the information you’ve made accessible to your other matches. For more information, please see Information that is Shared with Matches.

Note: Whether you are opted in or opted out of IGGM, you will never see a registered Investigative Genetic Genealogy kit in your matches list.