Terms and Conditions

Please read these terms carefully before using FamilySearch services. By accessing our platform, you agree to be bound by these terms.

Last Updated: October 15, 2023 | Effective Date: October 15, 2023

User Agreement

By accessing or using FamilySearch services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you must not use our services.

1

Acceptance of Terms

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of FamilySearch International's ("FamilySearch," "we," "us," or "our") websites, mobile applications, services, and content (collectively, the "Services"). By accessing or using any part of the Services, you agree to become bound by these Terms.

Important Notice

If you do not agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, then you may not access the Services or use any services. Your use of the Services is also subject to our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and FamilySearch International regarding your use of the Services. We may modify these Terms at any time, and such modifications shall be effective immediately upon posting the modified Terms on our website.

2

Eligibility & Registration

2.1 Eligibility Requirements

To use the Services, you must:

  • Be at least 13 years of age (or the minimum age required in your country)
  • Have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract
  • Not be prohibited from receiving our Services under applicable laws
  • Provide accurate and complete registration information

2.2 Account Registration

To access certain features of the Services, you may be required to register for an account. You agree to:

  • Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
  • Maintain and promptly update your account information
  • Maintain the security of your password and accept all risks of unauthorized access
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
  • Take responsibility for all activities that occur under your account

Account Security Warning

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. FamilySearch will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your login information.

3

Services Description

FamilySearch provides genealogical research services including but not limited to:

Service Description
Family Tree Collaborative family tree building and management tools
Historical Records Access to billions of historical records and documents
Memory Preservation Tools for uploading and preserving photos, stories, and documents
Research Resources Research guides, tutorials, and educational materials
DNA Services DNA testing integration and genetic genealogy tools
Community Features Forums, messaging, and collaboration tools

Service Availability

FamilySearch reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Services at any time, including the availability of any feature, database, or content. We may also impose limits on certain features or restrict access to parts or all of the Services without notice or liability.

4

User Responsibilities

As a user of FamilySearch Services, you agree to:

4.1 Accurate Information

Provide accurate genealogical information to the best of your knowledge and ability. When uncertain about information, clearly indicate this uncertainty.

4.2 Source Citation

Cite sources for genealogical information whenever possible to allow others to verify your research.

4.3 Respectful Collaboration

Work collaboratively and respectfully with other users, especially when making changes to shared family trees.

4.4 Living Persons' Privacy

Respect the privacy of living persons by not sharing their personal information without their consent.

Definition: "Living Persons"

For purposes of these Terms, "living persons" refers to individuals who are believed to be currently alive. Information about living persons in the Family Tree is restricted to protect their privacy.

5

Content Guidelines

5.1 User-Generated Content

You retain ownership of any content you submit, post, or display on or through the Services ("User Content"). By submitting User Content, you grant FamilySearch a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, and distribute such content.

5.2 Content Standards

User Content must not:

  • Violate any third-party rights, including copyright, trademark, or privacy rights
  • Contain defamatory, obscene, or unlawful material
  • Include sensitive personal information about living persons without consent
  • Promote violence, discrimination, or illegal activities
  • Contain viruses or malicious code

Content Moderation

FamilySearch reserves the right to review, modify, or remove any User Content that violates these Terms or is otherwise objectionable. We may also suspend or terminate accounts of repeat infringers.

8

Prohibited Activities

You agree not to engage in any of the following prohibited activities:

Strictly Prohibited

  • Using the Services for any illegal purpose or in violation of any laws
  • Harassing, abusing, or harming another person
  • Impersonating any person or entity or falsely stating your affiliation
  • Interfering with security-related features of the Services
  • Attempting to probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of any system
  • Using any automated system to access the Services
  • Collecting or harvesting any personally identifiable information
  • Interfering with the proper working of the Services
  • Bypassing measures intended to restrict access to the Services
  • Using the Services to infringe intellectual property rights
  • Uploading malicious code or viruses
  • Engaging in any activity that disrupts the user experience

Consequences of Violation

Violation of these prohibited activities may result in immediate termination of your account, legal action, and reporting to law enforcement authorities. FamilySearch reserves the right to investigate and prosecute violations to the fullest extent of the law.

10

Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. To the fullest extent permissible pursuant to applicable law, FamilySearch disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

FamilySearch does not warrant that the Services will be uninterrupted or error-free, that defects will be corrected, or that the Services or the server that makes them available are free of viruses or other harmful components.

Genealogical Information Disclaimer

FamilySearch does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any genealogical information available through the Services. Users should independently verify all genealogical information with primary sources. FamilySearch is not responsible for errors in transcription, indexing, or interpretation of historical records.

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties, so the above exclusion may not apply to you. You may have other rights which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Questions About These Terms?

If you have questions about these Terms and Conditions or need clarification on any provision, please contact our Legal Department:

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