Privacy on the Web

g_mcallister · Post by **g_mcallister** » 30 Jan 2005 18:04

I found out that a distant cousin was planning to put a family tree (including my family) on a web site. I cautioned him about including details of those still living. From his reply, it seems he had never given any thought to questions of privacy. I would like to direct him to some article or site that discusses why this should not be done such as respecting privacy, not wanting to be contacted, identity theft and legal aspects. He could then see that this is a serious matter and not just me being a awkward sod. The usual genealogy help sites don't seem to go into this, instead many of them tell you easy it is to put a family tree on the web.

Any suggestions as to where I could find advice on privacy matters that I can direct him to?

ID:766

YouTube · Post by **Jane** » 30 Jan 2005 18:10

Try this link from the Ancestry site

plus a whole range of articles at the excellent Cyndi's List - Privacy Section

g_mcallister · Post by **g_mcallister** » 31 Jan 2005 17:48

Thanks Jane, the Cyndi's List link was especially useful with a lot stuff on privacy.

paultt · Post by **paultt** » 31 Jan 2005 20:32

Hi Gerry,
I have a couple of genealogy websites, and in general I try to work to the following privacy levels: I try to NOT publish any details other than names of any known to be or potentially living person. If I only have the names, that's ok. If I have a death date, then ok. If I have a birth date and no death date, and the birth date is more that 120 years ago, that's ok. Marriages that took place more than 80 years ago, ok. Anything 'newer' than that and it is treated as potentially living.
The trouble with these kinds of rules are; what if there is a comment in the notes about a person which give details of the younger, living generations? Most Banks tend to ask the security question re your mother's maiden name - does that mean we shouldn't show maternal surnames?. Difficult one.
I use Gedliving, Res Privita or PAF depending on the file, and the TNG software I use on one website does the privatising automatically. In 5 years, I haven't had a complaint yet, but rather the other way round, asking why I haven't got their birth and marriage dates!!. If they are really interested, then I will send the data by email, not off the web.

Just my tuppence worth!

Paul.

Family Historian User Group