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Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 2026

The short version

Geneablocks is a free, static research tool. We do not run a database, we do not have user accounts, and we do not collect your personal information directly. This policy explains what data may be processed when you visit, and by whom.

1. Who we are

Geneablocks is a free family history research tool available at geneablocks.com. For the purposes of UK GDPR, the data controller is the owner and operator of Geneablocks. If you have any privacy-related questions, please contact us on: legal[at]geneablocks[dot]com.

2. What data is collected and by whom

Hosting infrastructure — Netlify

Geneablocks is hosted on Netlify (Netlify, Inc., 44 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California 94104, USA). As part of standard web hosting operations, Netlify's infrastructure automatically processes certain technical data when you visit any page on this site. This may include your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URL, and the pages you visit, along with timestamps.

This data is processed by Netlify as part of their service operation and is subject to Netlify's own Privacy Policy. Netlify is certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. We do not have access to individually identifiable server logs and we do not use Netlify Analytics.

Browser local storage

Geneablocks does not set cookies. The site uses browser local storage only if you interact with features that save preferences to your own device. This data never leaves your browser and is not transmitted to us or any third party. You can clear local storage at any time through your browser's settings.

Future services — Google AdSense and affiliate links

We intend to add Google AdSense advertising and affiliate links to this site in the future. When we do, this privacy policy will be updated before those services go live, and a cookie consent banner will be added to the site as required by UK GDPR. No advertising or tracking cookies are currently set on this site.

3. Legal basis for processing

The technical data processed by Netlify's infrastructure is processed on the basis of legitimate interests — specifically, the legitimate interest in operating a functional and secure website. No data is processed by Geneablocks directly for marketing, profiling, or any other purpose.

4. Data retention

We do not hold personal data ourselves. Data retained by Netlify as part of their hosting infrastructure is subject to their own retention policies, which are described in their privacy policy.

5. Your rights under UK GDPR

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the following rights in relation to your personal data:

  • The right to be informed about how your data is used
  • The right of access to personal data held about you
  • The right to rectification of inaccurate data
  • The right to erasure ("the right to be forgotten")
  • The right to restrict processing
  • The right to data portability
  • The right to object to processing

Because Geneablocks does not directly collect or store personal data, most of these rights would need to be exercised with Netlify or Google directly in relation to any data they hold. If you have a request or concern relating to data processed in connection with this site, please contact us on: legal[at]geneablocks[dot]com.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK's supervisory authority, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), at ico.org.uk.

6. Third-party links

Geneablocks contains links to external genealogy resources, archives, and research tools. When you follow a link to another website, that site's own privacy policy applies. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites.

7. Children's privacy

Geneablocks is not directed at children under the age of 13 and we do not knowingly collect any data from children.

8. Changes to this policy

We will update this privacy policy when the services offered by this site change — in particular, before adding advertising or any data-collecting features. The "last updated" date at the top of this page will reflect any changes. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

9. Contact

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how data is handled in connection with Geneablocks, please contact us on: legal[at]geneablocks[dot]com.