Your Data

Privacy Notice

Short version: we collect only what we need to run your account, we never sell or share your data, and your GEDCOM files are never transmitted or shared with anyone.

What We Collect

When you create a BranchSmith account, we store the following:

  • Username
  • Display name
  • Account secret (stored as a one-way hash—we cannot read it)
  • Optional notes you provide at registration (such as your family line or dataset context)

Your GEDCOM Files

How your GEDCOM is handled depends on how you choose to use BranchSmith:

  • Local use (Guest and standard registered accounts): GEDCOM files you open are processed entirely within your browser. They are never uploaded to our servers, never stored on our infrastructure, and never transmitted anywhere outside your device.
  • Hosted storage (Genealogist tier): If you choose to upload and persist a GEDCOM file for easy access and sharing, that file is stored on our servers. It is used solely to serve it back to you and to anyone you explicitly share access with. We do not read, analyze, transmit, or share your GEDCOM data with any third party for any purpose.

What We Do Not Do

  • We do not sell, rent, or transfer your personal data to any third party.
  • We do not share your genealogical data with advertisers or analytics networks.
  • We do not build profiles based on your usage beyond what is necessary to operate your account.

Advertising

BranchSmith may display advertisements served by Google AdSense. Google may use cookies and similar technologies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this site and other sites. To opt out of personalized advertising, visit Google Ads Settings or aboutads.info. You can also opt out via the NAI opt-out tool.

BranchSmith does not control the cookies placed by Google AdSense and is not responsible for Google’s data practices. For more information, see Google’s advertising policies.

How We Use Your Data

Your account data is used solely to authenticate you and operate your BranchSmith session. We retain account data for as long as your account is active. You may request deletion at any time by contacting us.

Patreon Integration

If you connect your Patreon account to BranchSmith, we sync your current membership tier to determine your access level. We store only the tier status—no payment information, card details, or Patreon billing data is ever held by BranchSmith. For Patreon’s own data practices, see Patreon’s Privacy Policy.

Security

Account secrets are hashed before storage. We do not log or retain plaintext credentials. If you believe your account has been compromised, contact us immediately.

Changes to This Notice

We may update this notice as the service evolves. Material changes will be noted on this page. Continued use of BranchSmith after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated notice.

Questions about your data? Reach out and we will respond promptly.