Cold Case Inquiries Stall After Ancestry.com Revisits Policy for Users
David Gurney, the head of Ramapo College’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center in New Jersey, has voiced significant concerns regarding the recent loss of access to Ancestry, a prominent genealogy platform. This development poses a considerable setback for the center’s efforts in utilizing genetic genealogy to solve cold cases and assist law enforcement agencies. Gurney emphasizes that Ancestry is a vital tool for identifying individuals through DNA analysis, making its absence particularly detrimental in ongoing investigations where genetic links can provide crucial leads. The center has been at the forefront of employing genealogical techniques to solve complex cases, often helping to identify unknown victims and apprehend suspects in crimes that have remained unsolved for years.
The implications of losing access to Ancestry extend beyond mere inconvenience; they highlight a growing tension between privacy concerns and the utility of genetic databases in law enforcement. Gurney points out that while platforms like Ancestry offer invaluable resources for genealogical research, the ethical considerations surrounding the use of personal genetic information are increasingly coming to the forefront. For example, the successful resolution of high-profile cases, such as the Golden State Killer arrest, relied heavily on genetic genealogy techniques that utilized public DNA databases. The ability to access these databases is crucial for centers like Gurney’s, which aim to balance the benefits of solving crimes with the need to protect individual privacy rights.
As the landscape of genetic genealogy evolves, the challenges faced by Gurney and his team underscore the necessity for ongoing dialogue about the ethical use of genetic data in criminal investigations. The center’s work not only aids law enforcement but also serves as a reminder of the potential for genetic genealogy to change the way we approach crime-solving. With the future of access to such databases uncertain, Gurney calls for a collaborative approach among genealogical organizations, law enforcement, and privacy advocates to ensure that the powerful tools available for solving crimes can be used responsibly and ethically.
David Gurney, head of Ramapo College’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center in New Jersey, said losing access to Ancestry had hindered crucial work.
