1. Who we are
AncestryData (ancestrydata.com) is operated by Iverson Media and Communications LLC, doing business as iMedia Audiences ("we," "us"). Contact: privacy@ancestrydata.com · Harvard, Massachusetts, USA.
2. What AncestryData is
AncestryData is a free genealogy website. We publish historical records of people who have passed away, family-name directories, "this day in history" pages and heritage community pages. We do not knowingly publish records of living people. The site is supported by sponsored links and offers from genealogy and records companies.
3. Information we collect
a) Information you give us: names, dates, places and sources you submit (for example "Add details," "Add a name," "Confirm this ancestor," record uploads), and your name, email and other details on volunteer applications, record submissions and removal requests.
b) Searches: names, places and years you search for. We use searches to show results, to create or improve record pages of deceased people, and to show anonymous search trends (for example "Trending" and "Recent" lists).
c) Usage and device information: a random session identifier stored in a cookie and your browser's storage, pages visited, sponsor links clicked (sponsor, page and link position), and standard technical data such as browser type and approximate location derived from your IP address.
d) Information from partners: historical records from partner sources (for example cemetery databases) and public posts from Facebook pages we manage.
4. How we use information
To run and improve the site; publish and correct records of deceased people; show sponsor results and offers; measure clicks and report results to our advertising partners; prevent spam, bots and click fraud; review volunteer applications, submissions and removal requests; and comply with the law. We do not sell your name or email address.
5. Sponsored links, affiliate partners and advertising
Some links and offers are sponsored. When you click one, you go through our tracking page and then to the partner's website (for example Ancestry, MyHeritage, BeenVerified, TruthFinder, PeopleFinders, Newspapers.com, GenealogyBank), often through an affiliate network such as Rakuten Advertising. We pass the name you searched or the record you were viewing so the partner can show matching results, and a click identifier so the partner can credit us. We may be paid when you click or purchase. Partners and networks may set their own cookies and use tracking pixels; their privacy policies apply on their sites.
6. Cookies and similar technologies
We use a first-party cookie and browser storage for your session identifier, form protection and preferences; analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand site use; and partner tracking pixels and cookies for sponsored offers. You can block or delete cookies in your browser; the site will still work, though some features (such as click limits and form protection) rely on the session identifier.
7. How information is shared
With service providers who host and operate the site (database and hosting providers, analytics, our chat assistant provider) under their confidentiality terms; with sponsors and affiliate networks as described in section 5; publicly, for record content you choose to contribute (contributed facts are labeled "Added by a visitor"); and when required by law or to protect rights and safety. Volunteer applications, record submissions and removal requests are private and reviewed only by our team.
8. Records of people who have passed away
We publish records only of people who have died, typically with a death date or a birth more than 110 years ago. Records that may relate to living people are hidden. Relatives' names may appear on a deceased person's page when provided by a source or a contributor; you can ask us to remove or correct them.
9. Your choices and rights
You can ask us to access, correct or delete personal information we hold about you, or to remove or correct a record, using our Remove a Record page (/remove-a-record/) or by emailing privacy@ancestrydata.com. Depending on where you live (for example California, other U.S. states with privacy laws, the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom), you may have additional rights, including the right to know what we collect, to delete it, to opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of personal information for targeted advertising, and to not be discriminated against for using these rights. We respond to verified requests within the time the law requires. Where EU/UK law applies, we rely on legitimate interests (operating a historical records site and measuring advertising), your consent where required, and legal obligations.
10. How long we keep information
Search and click logs: up to 25 months, then deleted or anonymized. Volunteer applications, submissions and removal requests: as long as needed to handle them and for our records, typically up to 3 years. Published records of deceased people: until removed or corrected.
11. Security
We use industry-standard security, including encrypted connections, access controls and encrypted storage of keys. No method is completely secure.
12. Children
AncestryData is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their personal information. If you believe a child has given us information, contact us and we will delete it.
13. International visitors
Our services are operated in the United States. Information you provide may be processed in the United States and other countries where our providers operate.
14. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy. We will change the "Last updated" date and, for significant changes, post a notice on the site.
15. Contact
Iverson Media and Communications LLC (dba iMedia Audiences), Harvard, Massachusetts, USA · privacy@ancestrydata.com.