In today’s digital age, a genealogy website is making waves for all the wrong reasons. This platform isn’t just about tracing your ancestry; it has access to a shocking amount of your personal information, and alarmingly, it’s available to anyone for free.
This site, FamilyTreeNow, compiles a wide range of sensitive details, including your current and previous addresses, phone numbers, birth records, and connections to family members. While many similar sites like Spokeo and Intelius require a subscription or a fee to access their data, the accessibility of FamilyTreeNow is what makes it particularly unsettling.
For people with high-profile jobs, those frequently targeted (such as activists or community leaders), or survivors of domestic violence, this could pose serious risks. I found myself in a similar situation, having recently searched my own name on FamilyTreeNow. The results were accurate, revealing my past addresses, age, and family connections. It was a chilling experience, especially after a recent incident online where I was threatened with doxing—having my personal information exposed publicly—over a blog post I wrote. Thankfully, the situation was addressed by law enforcement, but the fear lingered. Websites like FamilyTreeNow can easily empower individuals with malicious intent.
The dilemma lies in the fact that while these sites can be valuable for genealogical research, they can also be exploited by those looking to harass or intimidate others. However, there’s some relief: you can remove your information from the site quickly.
I followed the steps to opt-out, and within 24 hours, my information no longer appeared publicly. I’m unsure whether it’s truly deleted from their database or just hidden from public view. Attempts by The Daily Journal to contact the founders for clarification went unanswered.
If you wish to remove your profile, here’s how to do it:
- Click the ‘begin’ button to navigate to the search page and look yourself up.
- Once you locate your record, confirm that it’s indeed yours and not someone else with a similar name.
- If you’re certain it’s your record, hit the red ‘Opt Out’ button.
- You’re all set! Allow up to 48 hours for processing. If you have more than one record, repeat the steps as needed.
As technology progresses, protecting our privacy becomes increasingly critical. Staying informed about what personal information is available online can help keep us safe. For anyone interested in further exploring home insemination options, consider checking out our post on the Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit, which provides a wealth of information. For those focused on the health aspects related to conception, Omega-3 fatty acids are worth looking into as well. Additionally, for more comprehensive insights on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC’s resource is a reliable guide.
In summary, while genealogy sites can be a fun way to explore family history, they can also compromise your privacy. Taking steps to safeguard your information is essential in our increasingly connected world.