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Archiver > TMG > 2009-03 > 1236164899


From: Peggy Holt <>
Subject: Re: [TMG] Privacy / Genealogy / Internet
Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2009 05:08:19 -0600


I haven't posted in years but thought I should share some important
information to be considered before publishing living relatives, etc.

First of all, you really need to get permission from a living person
before you execute any type of publication. It is also prudent to get
that information in writing. This is for your protection as well as
theirs.

Next, become familiar with the Privacy Act. Please note that not all
countries have the same rules and what may be acceptable in the USA
may not be acceptable in other countries.

Also note that there are guidelines for people to proceed with a
lawsuit when they feel their privacy was invaded or exposed. This can
hold true for genealogists/researchers who are simply sharing
information about living persons with others who have inquired about
the information you have gleaned.

You also need to take into account that even if the information you
publish is from public records, it could still be a detriment to that
person especially if identity theft becomes an issue.

Then there is also the issue of information that is the "skeleton in
the closet", so to speak, and that living person who doesn't want
anyone to know about it. Hence, another can of worms. Another
example would be, the woman who was married before her current
marriage but has been keeping it a secret for whatever reason.

My suggestion would be to refrain from publishing living relatives.
Remember, it only takes one person to make things very uncomfortable
for the publisher and the more people that are in the publication who
are living the greater the possibility there will be someone who takes
offense and acts on it.

>From a genealogical standpoint I wish it wasn't so. After all we do
this so we can find out everything possible on a everyone we are
researching but it just isn't wise to make some of those things public
for your own protection as well as theirs.

Well, I do hope you consider the possible repercussions and
legalities. I would hate for anyone to have problems.

Blessings,
Peggy

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