Prognosis
DNA Site That Helps Cold-Case Sleuths Curbs Access for Cops
- GEDmatch now requires users to opt in to allow police searches
- Change to terms of service could hamper future criminal probes
Source: Science Photo Library via Getty Images
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The genealogy database that helped authorities track down the alleged Golden State Killer and dozens of other suspects has changed a key policy over privacy concerns, a move that could hamper future criminal investigations.
GEDmatch, which has more than 1 million genetic profiles in its database, is now asking users whether they want to allow police to access their DNA information. Previously, law enforcement could search profiles in the database unless a customer explicitly opted out.