Title: The Impact of Ancestry.com’s Policy Change on Cold Case Investigations In recent news, it has been reported that genealogy site Ancestry.com has revised its terms and conditions, which now bars those working on unsolved crimes from accessing the company’s extensive database of records. This policy change is expected to stall cold case inquiries as law enforcement agencies rely heavily on these platforms for crucial information. The historical context behind this development can be traced back to 2018 when a breakthrough was made using genealogy databases by the Golden State Killer task force, which led to multiple arrests and convictions. This success story encouraged law enforcement agencies worldwide to adopt similar methods in their investigations. The implications of this policy change are significant as it directly impacts ongoing cold case investigations that rely on these platforms for leads. It is also likely to discourage future collaborative efforts between genealogy companies and law enforcement, which could potentially hinder the progress of solving unsolved cases. From a personal perspective, I believe that while Ancestry.com has every right to revise its terms and conditions as per their discretion, it would be beneficial for both parties if they can find a way to collaborate in a mutually agreeable manner. After all, the ultimate goal is to bring justice to victims of unsolved crimes. In conclusion, Ancestry.com’s policy change has raised concerns among those involved in cold case investigations. While it may seem like an obstacle at first glance, there might be opportunities for both parties to work together and find solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/07/nyregion/ancestry-dna-police.html)
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