This analysis describes what Ancestry's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The clause addresses use of potentially biometric data, conditioning it on consent and limiting retention by stating the representations are not stored.
Interpretive note: The excerpt notes the representations 'may constitute biometric information'; this characterisation was omitted from the canonical claim as it is a secondary qualifier rather than the primary legal proposition.
The updated policy introduces new data collection and processing practices. Ancestry now explicitly discloses that it collects information from interactions with AI-powered support assistants, in addition to human communications. The policy adds a new photo face-grouping feature that creates abstract numerical representations of images to organize your photo gallery, available with your express consent; Ancestry states it does not retain these representations. The policy also adds SMS messaging as a communication channel, available if you expressly opt in. You can decline the face-grouping feature and SMS messaging by not providing express consent.
View change record →If you consent, Ancestry may process your photos through face-grouping that creates numerical representations, which Ancestry states it does not retain or store.
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"With your consent, to help you organize your photos, we may create an abstract numerical representation of images to group similar faces within your gallery. Ancestry does not retain or store these representations, which may constitute biometric information...Excerpt from Ancestry's Privacy Statement
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The clause addresses use of potentially biometric data, conditioning it on consent and limiting retention by stating the representations are not stored.
If you consent, Ancestry may process your photos through face-grouping that creates numerical representations, which Ancestry states it does not retain or store.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 211 platforms. See the full comparison.
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