Vestigee — Privacy Policy
How we collect, use and protect personal data and family-history information when you use the genealogy research platform.
Last updated: January 1, 2025
1. Introduction
vestigee.com ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our genealogy research platform and AI-powered family history services.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
Name, email address, and contact information
Account credentials and profile information
Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)
Family tree data and genealogical information you provide
2.2 Family History Data
Names, dates, and places related to family members
Documents, photos, and media files you upload
Research notes and family stories
DNA data (if provided through integrated services)
2.3 Usage Information
Device information and browser type
IP address and location data
Usage patterns and feature interactions
Search queries and research activities
3. How We Use Your Information
Provide and maintain our genealogy research services
Process AI-powered family history analysis and insights
Facilitate family tree building and collaboration
Send service updates, research suggestions, and relevant communications
Improve our platform through analytics and user feedback
Ensure security and prevent fraud
Comply with legal obligations
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
4.1 Family Sharing
You may choose to share family tree information with other family members or researchers. You control these sharing settings and can revoke access at any time.
4.2 Matching with Other Members
When another member searches for an ancestor, we may show them people from your family tree who match that search. Only deceased people can appear, never living relatives, and we never show your email address, your contact details, your photos, your notes, or the rest of your tree — only the matching person's name, dates, places, and close deceased relatives, attributed to your first name and last initial. This gives you nothing to accept and them nothing to access: it is a search result, not a sharing grant. You can turn it off at any time in Profile → Privacy → Data sharing, after which your tree is never used for matching and never shown to other members.
4.3 Service Providers
We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist in platform operations, including cloud storage, payment processing, and AI analysis services.
4.4 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law, legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of vestigee.com, our users, or others.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes encryption, secure servers, and regular security audits.
6. Your Privacy Rights
Request copies of your personal information
Request correction of inaccurate information
Request deletion of your personal information
Request transfer of your data to another service
Object to certain processing of your information
Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
Access:
Correction:
Deletion:
Portability:
Objection:
Restriction:
7. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
8. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.
9. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:
Email:
Address: