When I sent the following response to Ancestry, demonstrating that I, in fact, had read their ethnicity white paper directly, they were adamant and continuing to adhere to selection and confirmation bias, as well as use an imbalanced reference panel:
“From the Consumer on Monday, December 4, 2023
Complaint: 20910380
It is very clear that Ancestry, in fact, attempts to use bias, and even admits to doing so. they admitted to throwing out outliers that do not fit their narrative, which is not acceptable in any legitimate research study. A legitimate researcher would admit when certain data does not fit his or her predetermined hypothesis. It is also clear that Ancestry does not have a panel with 400-1000 samples in each group at minimum, let alone 1:1 ratios across the panel. A legitimate researcher would have a balanced referenced panel with standard (400, preferably 1000) minimum numbers in each group.”
I received the following response from the BBB, despite Ancestry’s clear case of research fraud:
“
Nicole Czarnecki
6304 SUNHIGH PL
Columbia MD 21045
Dear Nicole Czarnecki,
This message is regarding Complaint ID # 20910380- Ancestry.com
Thank you for following up with BBB regarding your position in the above-mentioned dispute.
We understand you are NOT satisfied with the business’s response, and have noted your dissatisfaction in our files. While we regret we were unable to reach your desired resolution, the business has provided BBB with its position. This matter is now closed in BBB files, and will appear in the company’s BBB Business Profile as: “Answered - the business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer remains dissatisfied.”
Please note, the text of your response may be publicly posted on BBB’s website. BBB reserves the right to not post in accordance with BBB policy, and we may edit your response to protect privacy rights and to remove inappropriate language.
Sincerely,
[Redacted here to preserve privacy]
Better Business Bureau”
Those of us who care about adhering to research principles and receiving accurate and precise, DNA results, will need to petition Ancestry all the more.