Do not upload copyrighted or trademarked material without the owner's permission
While using your Ancestry account and services, you may not submit, post, share or otherwise provide content protected by copyright or trademark unless you have express permission from the copyright or trademark owner. Ancestry points to its separate Copyright Policy for more information.
Supporting quotations
While using your Ancestry account and the Ancestry Services, you may not:
Submit, post, share, or otherwise provide content that is protected by copyright or trademark, unless you have express permission from the owner of the copyright or trademark for such content.
Qualifications & exceptions
Allowed when you have express permission from the copyright or trademark owner.
Not stated here
The linked Copyright Policy was not supplied, so how Ancestry handles infringement notices is not covered here.
The page does not address public-domain records or fair use.
Content & IP Rights · Company practice
If you share your content publicly, others may use it and Ancestry need not remove it
If you share Your Content publicly, other users may access and use it as part of, or in conjunction with, Ancestry's services. Ancestry states it is not required to remove any of Your Content once it has been publicly shared, so making something public may not be fully reversible.
Supporting quotations
Please note if you share Your Content publicly, other users may access and use Your Content as part of, or in conjunction with, the Services.
We are not required to remove any of Your Content once it has been publicly shared.
Qualifications & exceptions
This applies to content you share publicly; it does not describe content kept private.
The statement is that Ancestry is not required to remove public content, not that it will refuse every removal request.
Not stated here
"Your Content" is a capitalized term defined in the Terms and Conditions, which were not supplied.
Whether copies other users already made are affected if you later make content private is not stated.
No copying, reverse-engineering or reselling Ancestry services, and no bulk downloading to build another database
You may not reproduce, reverse-engineer or sell any portion of Ancestry's services (including AncestryDNA test kits) or Ancestry Content, or systematically download data from Ancestry databases to make or populate another database for any other purpose.
Supporting quotations
While using your Ancestry account and the Ancestry Services, you may not:
Reproduce, reverse-engineer, or sell any portion of Ancestry’s Services (including AncestryDNA test kits) or Ancestry Content, or systematically download data from Ancestry databases to make or populate another database for any other purpose.
Qualifications & exceptions
The download restriction targets systematic downloading to make or populate another database.
Not stated here
How much downloading counts as systematic is not stated.
"Ancestry Content" is defined in the Terms and Conditions, which were not supplied.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
No deep linking, framing or mirroring Ancestry services without written permission
You may not "deep link" to, frame, inline link or mirror any part of any Ancestry service without Ancestry's written permission.
Supporting quotations
While using your Ancestry account and the Ancestry Services, you may not:
“Deep link” or frame, inline link, or mirror any part of any Ancestry Services without Ancestry’s written permission.
Qualifications & exceptions
Allowed with Ancestry's written permission.
Not stated here
"Deep link" is not defined; whether ordinary links to a public record page count is not stated.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Keep early-access, beta and preview features confidential
You may not share, distribute, publish or disclose any content, features or information you access through early access programs, beta testing, preview releases or other pre-release functionality without Ancestry's prior written authorization.
Supporting quotations
While using your Ancestry account and the Ancestry Services, you may not:
Share, distribute, publish, or disclose any content, features, or information accessed through early access programs, beta testing, preview releases, or other pre-release functionality without Ancestry's prior written authorization.
Qualifications & exceptions
Allowed with Ancestry's prior written authorization.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
No advertising, spam or solicitation using your account or information from Ancestry
You may not use your Ancestry account, Ancestry's services, or any information obtained through them to post or make available advertising, promotional materials, junk mail, spam, chain letters or any other form of solicitation.
Supporting quotations
You may not use your Ancestry account or the Ancestry Services (or any information obtained through the Services) to post or make available any advertising, promotional materials, junk mail, spam, chain letters, or any other form of solicitation.
Qualifications & exceptions
The rule also covers information obtained through the services, such as contact details found on the site.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Find a Grave: do not abuse correction tools or messaging about memorials
When using Find a Grave, additional guidelines apply: do not abuse the tools for suggesting corrections or additions, or for messaging other Find a Grave members about memorials they manage.
Supporting quotations
While using Find a Grave, please keep in mind these additional guidelines:
Do not abuse tools for suggesting corrections or additions or for messaging other Find a Grave members about memorials they manage.
Qualifications & exceptions
These are additional guidelines that apply while using Find a Grave.
Not stated here
What counts as abuse of these tools is not defined.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Find a Grave: no content about Native American lands or members without the tribal community's consent
On Find a Grave, Ancestry asks users to be sensitive to the diverse cultural meanings of burial grounds, cemeteries and the deceased, noting that some Indigenous communities do not want their graves found, photographed or posted publicly. You may not post, transmit or display content taken from or pertaining to federally and/or state recognized Native American lands and/or members without the express consent and permission of the affiliated community, people or tribal nation, unless you are a citizen or authorized representative of that tribal nation.
Supporting quotations
While using Find a Grave, please keep in mind these additional guidelines:
Please be sensitive to the diverse cultural meanings of burial grounds, cemeteries, and the deceased.
Do not post, transmit, or display content taken from or pertaining to federally and/or state recognized Native American lands and/or members without the express consent and permission of the respective and affiliated community, people, or tribal nation, or unless you are a citizen or authorized representative of said tribal nation.
Qualifications & exceptions
Stated as an additional guideline for Find a Grave.
Exception: express consent of the affiliated community, people or tribal nation, or being a citizen or authorized representative of that tribal nation.
Limited to federally and/or state recognized Native American lands and members.
Not stated here
How consent is shown to Ancestry is not stated.
Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Context
These guidelines cover Ancestry, AncestryDNA, Find a Grave, Newspapers.com, Fold3 and other linked sites
The Community Guidelines apply to all users of websites, services and mobile apps that link to them, including Ancestry, AncestryDNA, Newspapers.com, Find a Grave, Fold3, Forces War Records, Archives, WeRemember and AncestryPreserve. Capitalized terms take the meaning set out in Ancestry's Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement.
Supporting quotations
The Ancestry Community Guidelines apply to all users of websites, services, and mobile apps that link to these Community Guidelines (including Ancestry, AncestryDNA, Newspapers.com, Find a Grave, Fold3, Forces War Records, Archives, WeRemember, and AncestryPreserve) and are intended to protect you and the entire Ancestry community.
Any capitalized terms used in these Community Guidelines shall have the same meaning as set out in the Ancestry
Qualifications & exceptions
Coverage depends on the site, service or app linking to these guidelines; the named brands are examples.
Not stated here
The Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement that define capitalized terms were not supplied with this document.
The page names no region or effective date.
Legal Rights & Agreement Rules · Restriction or exception
Ancestry can prohibit other activity it considers offensive or harmful, even if not listed
Ancestry says these guidelines are comprehensive but not exhaustive. It prohibits any activity that Ancestry, in its sole discretion, determines to be offensive, to interfere with the rights of others, or to cause harm to any person or entity, so conduct can break the rules without appearing in any list.
Supporting quotations
While these Guidelines are comprehensive, they are not exhaustive.
Ancestry prohibits users of the Services from engaging in any activity that Ancestry, in its sole discretion, determines to be offensive, interferes with the rights of others, or causes harm to any person or entity.
Qualifications & exceptions
The determination is Ancestry's, in its sole discretion; no review or appeal process is described here.
Ancestry may remove violating posts, and serious or repeat violations lead to suspension or termination
Ancestry says it can't be responsible for the content users create and share, but reserves the right to remove any posts or comments that violate these guidelines or its Terms and Conditions. Serious or repeat violations or offences will subject the responsible user to account suspension or termination.
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Ancestry can’t be responsible for the content our users create and share in the community, but we reserve the right to remove any posts or comments that violate these guidelines or our Terms and Conditions.
Serious or repeat violations or offences will subject the responsible user to account suspension or termination.
Qualifications & exceptions
Removal is a right Ancestry reserves, not a duty.
Suspension or termination is tied to serious or repeat violations; neither term is defined.
Not stated here
The page does not say whether you are notified, can appeal, or keep access to your trees or DNA results after suspension or termination; the Terms and Conditions were not supplied.
Content & IP Rights · Context
The rules cover everything you upload, even content you keep private
Ancestry's Community Guidelines apply to all content you send, upload, or post to Ancestry, including content you never share with anyone else. Keeping a tree or upload private does not take it outside these rules.
Supporting quotations
These guidelines apply to all content you send, upload, or post to Ancestry, even if it’s not shared with others.
Qualifications & exceptions
The guidelines also state they apply to all users of the Ancestry family of sites and apps that link to them (see the Legal Details card).
Content & IP Rights · Procedure
You can report violating, infringing or illegal content to Ancestry
If you find something that breaks these guidelines, infringes your rights, or contains illegal material, Ancestry asks you to contact it or file an online report, and says it will do its best to address the situation. Ancestry lists an online reporting tool and a phone number for reporting content to its moderation teams among the measures it may use against illegal content.
Supporting quotations
If you come across something that violates these guidelines, infringes your rights, or contains illegal material, please contact us or file a report online and we will do our best to address the situation.
Maintaining an easy online reporting tool and phone number to enable users to report content to our moderation teams
Qualifications & exceptions
Ancestry commits only to doing its best to address a report; no response time or outcome is promised.
Not stated here
The page points to a separate description of the types of complaints you can make and the resolution process; that description, and the reporting phone number and contact route, were not supplied.
Security & Safeguards · Restriction or exception
Follow the law and do not interfere with Ancestry's services
While using your Ancestry account or any Ancestry service, you must comply with all applicable laws. You must not interfere, or try to interfere, with the services, for example by using software, a virus or a routine to block, obscure or modify Ancestry content or web pages, or to destroy another person's software, hardware or telecommunications equipment.
Supporting quotations
While using your Ancestry account or any Ancestry Services, you:
Must comply with all applicable laws.
Must not interfere or attempt to interfere with the Services, including using any software program, virus or routine to block, obscure, modify any Ancestry Content or web pages, or to destroy another person’s software, hardware, or telecommunications equipment.
Not stated here
Which laws apply is not stated; the page names no jurisdiction.
Account & Service Control · Restriction or exception
Use your own account, keep your password to yourself, and pick an acceptable username
You must have your own Ancestry account with a unique username and password, and you may not share your password with anyone else. You may not choose a username that is hateful, obscene or otherwise inappropriate; Ancestry decides what is inappropriate in its sole discretion.
Supporting quotations
Must have your own Ancestry account, and select a unique username and password.
May not share your Ancestry account password with anyone else.
May not select a username that is hateful, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate, as determined by Ancestry, in its sole discretion.
Qualifications & exceptions
Whether a username is inappropriate is decided by Ancestry in its sole discretion, not by a stated test.
Not stated here
Whether family members may share one subscription without sharing a password is not addressed on this page.
Account & Service Control · Restriction or exception
Do not let a child under 13 publish or post through your account
You may not permit a child under the age of 13 to publish information or post content through your Ancestry account. This rule is about your account being used by a young child to post; it does not itself set Ancestry's minimum age for holding an account.
Supporting quotations
May not permit a child under the age of 13 to publish information or post content through your Ancestry account.
Not stated here
Ancestry's general age requirements for accounts are not stated on this page; the Terms and Conditions were not supplied.
Account & Service Control · Restriction or exception
Give real contact details and never misrepresent who you are
You must provide valid and complete contact information, including a valid email address, and must never misrepresent your identity to Ancestry or to other users. You may not knowingly share false or misleading content or communications, including impersonating anyone, misrepresenting your affiliation with any person or entity (including Ancestry), falsely claiming an endorsement, or pretending to be an employee or representative of Ancestry or its family of companies.
Supporting quotations
Must provide valid and complete contact information, including a valid email address.
Must never misrepresent your identity, either to Ancestry or to other users.
May not share content or communicate in a manner that you know is false or misleading, including impersonating any person, misrepresenting your affiliation with any person or entity (including Ancestry), falsely claiming an endorsement that you do not have, or misrepresenting that you are an employee or representative of Ancestry or its family of companies.
Qualifications & exceptions
The false-or-misleading rule covers content and communications you know are false or misleading.
Content & IP Rights · Company practice
Historical records may be disturbing; Ancestry may ask you to remove content or make your tree private
Ancestry warns that its services contain historical images, documents and narratives that some users may find objectionable or disturbing. It says such content may be kept for its historical value and factual connection to family trees, and that it aims to balance historical preservation with community standards. Ancestry encourages users to be considerate of others and may ask you to remove certain content or make your tree private.
Supporting quotations
Please be aware that our Services contain content including historical images, documents, and narratives that some users may find objectionable or disturbing.
While content may be retained for its historical value and factual connection to family trees, we aim to balance historical preservation with community standards.
We encourage users to be considerate of others, and may ask you to remove certain content or make your tree private.
Qualifications & exceptions
Retention for historical value is stated as possible ("may be retained"), not guaranteed.
A request to remove content or make a tree private is something Ancestry may make; the page does not say when it will.
Not stated here
The page does not say what happens if you decline a request to remove content or make your tree private.
Cross-references
contrast (model-proposed): Hateful, violent, sexual, defamatory or obscene content is a priority for Ancestry to address — contrast: Disturbing historical material may be kept for its historical value, while hateful or violent content is a priority for Ancestry to address; Ancestry says it balances preservation against community standards rather than giving a fixed line.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Hateful, violent, sexual, defamatory or obscene content is a priority for Ancestry to address
Ancestry says it prioritizes addressing content and behavior that is illegal, threatening, harmful or abusive. Its listed examples include degrading, defamatory, vulgar, hateful, libellous, fraudulent or obscene content; content that incites or depicts hatred or violence toward any individual or group; and sexually explicit, pornographic or invasive content. The list is expressly not exhaustive.
Supporting quotations
We prioritize addressing content and behavior that is illegal, threatening, harmful, or abusive, including but not limited to:
Degrading, defamatory, vulgar, hateful, libellous, fraudulent, or obscene Content.
Content that incites or depicts hatred or violence towards any individual or group.
Sexually explicit, pornographic, or invasive Content.
Qualifications & exceptions
The categories are examples ("including but not limited to"), and the guidelines elsewhere say they are not exhaustive.
Not stated here
"Content" is capitalized and takes its meaning from the Terms and Conditions, which were not supplied.
Security & Safeguards · Restriction or exception
No stalking, harassing or threatening users, and no abusing Ancestry staff
Among the behavior Ancestry prioritizes addressing: using its services to stalk, harass, bully, threaten or verbally attack any user, and personally abusing Ancestry employees or impacting Ancestry's computing resources.
Supporting quotations
Using our Services to stalk, harass, bully, threaten or verbally attack any user.
Abusing Ancestry employees personally or impacting Ancestry’s computing resources.
Not stated here
"Impacting Ancestry's computing resources" is not defined; how much load counts is not stated.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not publicly share a living person's private information without permission
You may not publicly share any living person's personal, proprietary or confidential information without their permission. Examples given are photos of living individuals, sealed court documents, sensitive financial information and contact information. For minors, you need the consent of their parent or guardian.
Supporting quotations
Content that publicly shares any living person’s personal, proprietary, or confidential information without their permission, such as photos of living individuals, sealed court documents, sensitive financial information, or contact information.
In the case of minors, you’ll need the consent of their parent or guardian.
Qualifications & exceptions
Listed under Prohibited Content among the content Ancestry prioritizes addressing.
The rule targets public sharing of living people's information; it does not address deceased people.
For a minor, consent must come from a parent or guardian.
Use & Processing · Company practice
Zero tolerance for illegal content such as child sexual abuse material and terrorist content
Ancestry states a zero tolerance policy for illegal content, especially child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and content promoting terrorism. It says it may use processes to monitor and remove such content, including training moderation teams to promptly investigate and remove it when they become aware of it, and using hash-matching technology to proactively scan and flag for further review content that may include child sexual abuse or exploitation.
Supporting quotations
We have a zero tolerance policy for illegal content, especially child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and content promoting terrorism.
We may use processes to monitor and remove such content, including:
Training content moderation teams to promptly investigate and remove such content when they become aware of it;
Using "hash-matching" technology to proactively scan and flag for further review content that may include child sexual abuse or exploitation;
Qualifications & exceptions
The monitoring measures are listed as processes Ancestry may use, not as a commitment to use each one.
Hash-matching flags content for further review; the page does not say flagged content is removed automatically.
Not stated here
Which content is scanned (for example private uploads or messages) is not stated.
Account & Service Control · Company practice
Some features are limited to paid users, and trial and subscriber identities may be verified
Among the measures Ancestry says it may use against illegal content and fraud: limiting access to certain features to paid users, and verifying the identity of people on trials and subscribers to combat fraud.
Supporting quotations
We may use processes to monitor and remove such content, including:
Limiting access to certain features to paid users, and verifying the Identity of trialers and subscribers to combat fraud;
Qualifications & exceptions
Listed as a measure Ancestry may use.
Not stated here
Which features are limited and how identity is verified are not stated.
The Ancestry Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement, which supply the meaning of capitalized terms here, were not supplied with this document.
Security & Safeguards · Company practice
Direct messages limit media types, and users can block others or turn off messages
Ancestry also lists limiting the types of media that can be shared in direct messages (for example, no video sharing) and letting users block other users and turn off messages from other users among the processes it may use to monitor and remove illegal content.
Supporting quotations
We may use processes to monitor and remove such content, including:
Limiting the types of media that can be shared via direct messaging (e.g. no video sharing); and
Allowing users to block other users and toggle off messages from other users.
Qualifications & exceptions
Listed as measures Ancestry may use; no video sharing is given as an example of a media limit.
Not stated here
Which media types are allowed in direct messages is not listed.