DEVON-L Archives

Archiver > DEVON > 2009-11 > 1258665064


From: Firebird <>
Subject: Re: [DEV] Data Privaxy
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:11:04 +0000
References: <21946F66A2814B5CB1F5F9071AD0A3CE@Beaufort>
In-Reply-To: <21946F66A2814B5CB1F5F9071AD0A3CE@Beaufort>


Ruth Bartlett wrote:
> What is the best way of protecting the privacy of the living while
> compiling a family tree for inclusion on one of the many ancestry
> sites - how do others handle it?
>
> I had this question from a cousin and don't know how to answer
> whether I should record all Living Descendants of my grandparents
> with name only and an M for male or F for female, excluding all
> vital and confidential information such as births, and marriages,
> and writing the word Living or and Private, before each living
> descendent. What do you think?

I don't include anything after 1900: not names, no M or F or living or
private.

> I am very concerned about identity theft

Whilst there is no proof that online family trees are responsible for
any ID theft, there's no proof they aren't either.

There are some who believe you should publish everything irrespective
because all the data is in the "public domain". However, there is a
difference between having to hunt out informtion and having it handed
out on a plate.

I believe it's better to err on the side of caution. That way you
keep on the right side of the relatives who are willing to help you.


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