New FamilyTreeDNA–WikiTree Integration Announced

FamilyTreeDNA has announced a new integration with WikiTree, a collaborative global family tree platform. This feature allows users to link their WikiTree profiles to their FTDNA kits, making it possible for matches to view each other's family trees and explore shared ancestry more easily. The integration is being promoted as a way to help users confirm relationships, visualize inheritance patterns, and connect with genetic cousins across both platforms.

How it works:

• You can now add your WikiTree ID to your FTDNA account. If your matches have also linked their WikiTree, you can view their trees directly from your match list. Project administrators can manage these links for group members with the appropriate access.

Important Note:

While this integration may offer new tools for collaboration and research, I want to be transparent about my position:

• Based on my own experiences and those of several others, I cannot in good conscience recommend linking your FTDNA kit to WikiTree. 
• Some of us have encountered significant issues on WikiTree, including harassment and removal from the platform—such as when I was removed, which is why we no longer have a family member controlling the profile I made for John P., Elisabeth, and their children—under what we felt were unfair actions by moderators. These problems often stemmed from disagreements about privacy, profile management, and the sharing of genetic match information without explicit consent. Despite attempts to resolve these issues through WikiTree’s support channels, we did not receive satisfactory assistance.

Because of these experiences, I, and some of our family members who have also been removed from the site, cannot link the our kits or the ones we manage, and I strongly advise others to carefully consider the risks before participating in this integration. There are numerous reports from others in the genealogy community who have faced similar challenges.

If you have questions about this new feature or want to discuss concerns privately, please feel free to reach out to me directly.

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To enhance the security of your account, we're (FTDNA) implementing important password updates beginning, Wednesday, April 2.

All users will be required to perform a mandatory password reset upon their next sign in. Don’t go do it now or you’ll just have to change it again after the update. YOUR CURRENT PASSWORD WILL WORK for the first login, but you will be immediately prompted to create a new one. Note: This will not affect your ability to access kits via GAP.  Additionally, automated passwords generated for new orders will be updated to stronger standards. Users will be prompted to create a new, permanent password after their initial login. These changes are designed to provide a more secure experience for everyone.

Requirements are:

• A minimum of 12 characters

• At least one uppercase letter (A–Z)

• At least one lowercase letter (a–z)

• At least one number (0–9)

• At least one special character (! " # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . / : ; < = > ? @)

Furthermore, the automated passwords created when new orders are placed will conform to the above requirements and will be single-use. Upon the first sign in, the user will be prompted to create a new, secure password.