Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to FamilyCodex. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we handle information when you use our website and services.

Important: FamilyCodex is self-hosted genealogy software. This means you download and install the software on your own server or hosting environment. Once installed, your family tree data, photos, and genealogical information stay on YOUR server — we never have access to it.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account and Purchase Information

When you create an account or purchase a license, we collect:

• Name and email address
• Billing information (processed securely through Stripe)
• License and order details
• Support ticket communications

2.2 Website Usage Information

We collect standard website analytics data including:

• IP address and browser information
• Pages visited and time spent on site
• Referring website and search terms

2.3 Your Genealogy Data (Self-Hosted)

We do NOT collect, store, or have access to your family tree data. Your genealogical information, family photos, biographies, and GEDCOM files are stored exclusively on your own server. You have complete control and ownership of this data.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process your orders and deliver license keys
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
• Send important updates about your licenses and account
• Improve our website and services
• Prevent fraud and ensure security

We will never sell your personal information to third parties.

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Our Data

Account and purchase information is stored securely on our servers with industry-standard encryption and security measures.

4.2 Your Genealogy Data

Your family tree data is stored on your own server. You are responsible for securing your server and implementing appropriate backup procedures. We recommend:

• Regular backups of your database and uploaded files
• Using HTTPS/SSL for your installation
• Keeping your FamilyCodex software updated
• Following standard server security best practices

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 Payment Processing

We use Stripe for secure payment processing. Stripe handles all payment card information according to PCI-DSS requirements. We never store your full credit card details on our servers.

5.2 Analytics

We may use analytics services to understand how visitors use our website. These services collect anonymized data about page views and user behavior.

6. Cookies

We use cookies for:

• Essential cookies: Required for login and shopping cart functionality
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect website functionality.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data we hold
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Data Portability: Export your account information
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails (support emails will still be sent)

To exercise these rights, contact us at: support@familycodex.org

8. Data Retention

• Account data: Retained while your account is active
• Order history: Retained for 7 years for tax and legal compliance
• Support tickets: Retained for 3 years
• Deleted accounts: Personal data removed within 30 days (order records retained as required by law)

9. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

Note: Your self-hosted genealogy database may contain information about minors in your family tree. This data is stored on your server and is your responsibility to manage according to applicable privacy laws.

10. International Users

FamilyCodex is operated from Australia. If you are accessing our services from outside Australia, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in Australia. By using our services, you consent to this transfer.

Your genealogy data remains on your own server in your jurisdiction.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by email or by posting a notice on our website. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy indicates when it was last revised.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: support@familycodex.org
• Support Portal: Submit a ticket

13. Your Data Ownership Guarantee