The advent of online genealogy platforms has revolutionized the way we research and document our family histories. However, with this convenience comes the responsibility of protecting personal and family information. Privacy in online genealogy is crucial to safeguard sensitive data from misuse. This guide will provide insights, guidance, tips, and tricks for both novice and experienced genealogists to protect their information while enjoying the benefits of online genealogy.

Why Privacy Matters in Online Genealogy

When engaging in online genealogy, you’re often sharing personal information about yourself and your family, including birth dates, locations, and potentially sensitive stories. Protecting this information is essential for several reasons:

• Identity Theft: Personal data can be exploited for identity theft and fraud.
• Privacy Invasion: Unprotected information can lead to unwanted contact or misuse.
• Respecting Others: Living relatives may not want their personal details shared publicly.

Steps to Protect Your Privacy

1. Choose Reputable Platforms

Start by selecting trustworthy genealogy websites that prioritize user privacy. Here are some reputable platforms:

• Ancestry.com: Offers robust privacy settings and clear policies. (https://www.ancestry.com)
• MyHeritage: Provides comprehensive privacy controls and data protection measures. (https://www.myheritage.com)
• FamilySearch: Free to use with strong privacy guidelines. (https://www.familysearch.org)
• Findmypast: Offers privacy tools and secure data handling practices. (https://www.findmypast.com)

2. Understand Privacy Settings

Familiarize yourself with the privacy settings of the platform you are using. Adjust these settings to control who can see your family tree and personal information.

• Public vs. Private Trees: Decide whether you want your family tree to be public or private. A private tree restricts access to authorized users only.
• Living Individuals: Ensure that information about living individuals is hidden or anonymized.

3. Be Cautious with Personal Information

Limit the amount of personal information you share online:

• Avoid Full Birth Dates: Use only the year of birth for living individuals to prevent misuse.
• Redact Sensitive Details: Omit or redact sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, addresses, and financial details.
• Use Pseudonyms: For living individuals, consider using pseudonyms or initials.

4. Secure Your Accounts

Protect your online genealogy accounts with strong security practices:

• Strong Passwords: Use complex passwords and change them regularly.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security.
• Monitor Activity: Regularly check your account activity for any unauthorized access.

5. Be Mindful of DNA Data

DNA testing is a powerful tool in genealogy, but it comes with privacy considerations:

• Read the Terms and Conditions: Understand how your DNA data will be used and shared.
• Opt-Out Options: Many platforms offer options to opt-out of sharing your DNA data with third parties.
• Consider Anonymity: If concerned about privacy, consider using a pseudonym when submitting your DNA sample.

Tips and Tricks for Protecting Your Information

For Novices:

1. Start with Limited Information: Begin by sharing minimal information and gradually add more as you become comfortable with the platform’s privacy controls.
2. Educate Yourself: Read up on the privacy policies and settings of your chosen genealogy platform.
3. Ask for Consent: Before sharing information about living relatives, ask for their consent.

For Experienced Genealogists:

1. Regularly Review Privacy Settings: Privacy settings and policies can change. Regularly review and update your settings to ensure ongoing protection.
2. Share Wisely: When collaborating with other genealogists, share information selectively and agree on privacy measures.
3. Backup Securely: Store backups of your genealogy data securely, using encrypted storage solutions.

Additional Resources

• Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): Provides resources on digital privacy and security. (https://www.eff.org)
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): Offers guidelines on securing personal information. (https://www.nist.gov)
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Information and tips on protecting personal privacy. (https://www.privacyrights.org)

Conclusion

Protecting your privacy in online genealogy is essential to ensure the security of your personal and family information. By choosing reputable platforms, understanding privacy settings, being cautious with personal details, securing your accounts, and being mindful of DNA data, you can enjoy the benefits of online genealogy while keeping your information safe. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned genealogist, these steps will help you navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

Happy and safe researching!