IndianFamilyTree.com — Family Tree Data Ownership & Accuracy Policy

2.Nature of Family Tree Information

Family tree information may include:

• Names
• Family relationships
• Birth information
• Marriage information
• Death information
• Ancestral villages and places
• Family photographs
• Historical documents
• Family stories
• Cultural traditions
• Occupations
• Education history
• Achievements
• Migration history

Such information may relate to living persons, deceased persons, or historical ancestors.

3.Ownership of Family Tree Data

Users retain ownership of original content they upload, including personal photographs, family documents, stories, written biographies, and personal memories. IndianFamilyTree.com does not claim ownership of user-submitted family materials. Family relationship information, however, represents shared heritage and may involve multiple family members. Examples include a person's relationship as a parent, child, sibling, or spouse, an ancestor's name and historical details, and family lineage information. Such information may not belong exclusively to one individual because it represents connections between multiple people and generations. IndianFamilyTree.com provides tools for families to collaboratively preserve and manage such information.

4.User Rights and Responsibilities

Users adding information to a family tree agree that they will provide information honestly and accurately, respect the privacy of living persons, avoid knowingly adding false information, avoid harmful or defamatory statements, respect family traditions and relationships, and correct errors when identified. Users should not use the platform to:

• Alter family history maliciously
• Remove legitimate family members
• Create false relationships
• Discredit relatives
• Publish private information without permission

5.Family Tree Contributors

Family trees may have multiple contributors, including:

• Family administrators
• Parents
• Children
• Relatives
• Genealogy researchers
• Historical contributors

Contributors may have different permissions based on access settings.

6.Family Tree Administrator Role

The Family Tree Creator or Administrator may manage invitations, contributor access, privacy settings, approvals, merging of duplicate profiles, and corrections. Administrators should act responsibly and fairly. Administrators should not delete legitimate family members without reason, block rightful relatives from participating, or change historical information intentionally.

7.Information About Living Persons

Special care must be taken when adding living individuals. Users should avoid adding unnecessary personal information including:

• Aadhaar numbers
• PAN information
• Passport details
• Financial information
• Medical records
• Private addresses
• Personal contact details

Living individuals may request correction of information, restriction of visibility, or removal of their personal information. Requests will be handled according to applicable Indian privacy laws, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

8.Information About Deceased Persons

IndianFamilyTree.com recognizes that deceased family members are an important part of family heritage. Information about deceased persons may include names, dates, family relationships, photographs, life stories, and historical information. Families should respect the dignity of the deceased, religious traditions, cultural practices, and family wishes.

9.Genealogy Accuracy Standards

IndianFamilyTree.com encourages users to maintain accurate records. Recommended sources include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Church records
• Temple records
• Mosque records
• Government records
• School records
• Land records
• Family documents
• Historical archives

Users should clearly distinguish between Verified Information (supported by reliable records), Family Tradition (information passed through generations but not officially documented), and Research Notes (information under investigation).

10.Handling Conflicting Information

Family histories may contain differences regarding dates, names, spelling, places, relationships, and historical events. When conflicts occur, IndianFamilyTree.com encourages users to discuss respectfully, provide supporting evidence, and preserve multiple viewpoints when appropriate. The platform may allow alternative names, historical notes, multiple sources, and revision history.

11.Name Variations and Indian Naming Traditions

Indian names may change due to regional languages, transliteration differences, marriage customs, caste/community naming traditions, initial-based names, village names, and family names. IndianFamilyTree.com supports:

• Multiple spellings
• Native language names
• Maiden names
• Previous names
• Nicknames
• Alternate names

Users should avoid changing names in a way that misrepresents identity or heritage.

12.Caste, Community and Ancestry Information

Some Indian families may record historical information relating to communities, villages, lineages, clans, and family traditions. Such information must be used for historical preservation, genealogy research, and family heritage. It must not be used for discrimination, hate speech, harassment, or social exclusion.

13.DNA and Genetic Information

IndianFamilyTree.com does not require DNA information. Users should exercise caution before sharing genetic information. Users should understand that DNA information may reveal information about family relationships, biological connections, and ancestry. DNA-related features, if introduced, will be governed by additional policies and consent requirements.

14.Duplicate Profiles and Merging Records

Duplicate records may occur because of different spellings, regional languages, multiple contributors, and historical records. IndianFamilyTree.com may provide tools to identify duplicates, suggest merges, and preserve historical versions. Important relationships and information should not be removed during merging.

15.Family Disputes and Claims

IndianFamilyTree.com is not responsible for resolving inheritance disputes, property disputes, family disagreements, or legal claims regarding ancestry. Family trees are historical and genealogical records, not legal proof of ownership, succession rights, citizenship, or legal inheritance. Users should consult appropriate legal authorities for legal matters.

16.Data Corrections and Appeals

Users may request corrections by providing:

• The affected profile
• The requested correction
• Supporting evidence
• Relationship to the person

IndianFamilyTree.com may review evidence provided, privacy concerns, community impact, and historical records.

17.Data Export and Family Legacy

Users may request access to their family information where available. We encourage families to preserve copies of important photographs, documents, stories, and historical records. Family history is a valuable legacy that should not depend on a single platform.

18.AI and Family History Assistance

IndianFamilyTree.com may use AI tools to organize records, suggest relationships, generate timelines, and summarize family stories. AI suggestions are not guaranteed to be correct. Users remain responsible for reviewing and approving information before publication.

19.Platform Integrity

IndianFamilyTree.com reserves the right to remove fraudulent records, restrict abusive users, preserve historical versions, protect family privacy, and maintain the integrity of genealogical information.

20.Our Commitment

Family trees connect the past, present, and future. Our mission is to help Indian families worldwide preserve their roots, honor their ancestors, strengthen family bonds, and ensure that future generations can discover the stories of those who came before them. Every family has a history. Every ancestor has a story. Every generation has a legacy worth preserving.

21.Contact Information

For questions regarding family tree data:

• IndianFamilyTree.com
• Email: support@indianfamilytree.com
• Address: 15166 SE Aston Loop, Portland, Oregon 97236, USA