Last updated: July 2026 · Version 2026-07
This policy explains what information DNAGedcom LLC (13511 Moser Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788) collects and how we use it, across the dnagedcom.com website, the DNAGedcom Client desktop application, and related services such as our email course and live office hours.
This section is a plain-language summary for people who accepted an earlier version of this policy. It is here to help you understand the changes; the sections below are the actual agreement.
We collect and store the following categories of information:
The DNAGedcom Client is a desktop application that runs on your own computer. All DNA data, GEDCOM files, family trees, match results, and analysis output are stored and processed locally on your computer. Your DNA and genealogical data is never uploaded to DNAGedcom servers. When the Client gathers data from DNA testing services, it communicates directly from your computer to the testing company — we never see, receive, or handle your DNA data. Any credentials you save for DNA testing services are stored only on your local computer for use by the Client.
The Client automatically sends anonymous diagnostic and usage data by default — things like error messages, crash details, which features are used, and the version of the Client you're running. We use this to find and fix problems and to understand which tools matter most. This data does not include your DNA data, family tree contents, or testing-service credentials.
You can turn this off at any time in the Client under Settings → “Help us improve our services.” Turning it off does not affect your account or any features.
When you sign in to the website or the Client, we record the date and time, the application you signed in from, your operating system, and the app version, along with the most recent sign-in on your account. We use these records to provide support, secure accounts, and understand how the service is used. Sign-in records are retained for approximately five years.
If you use the DNAGedcom Academy content in the Client (the Getting Started checklist), the Client syncs three progress milestones to your account: completing your first gather, viewing your matches, and running a clustering tool. We use these to tailor the Academy course emails to where you actually are — for example, skipping a “run your first gather” reminder if you already have.
This sync only happens for Academy participants. Turn it off at any time with Settings → “Show Academy content” in the Client; your local checklist keeps working either way.
We send two kinds of email:
All email is sent by DNAGedcom LLC, 13511 Moser Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788.
We use a small number of companies to help us run DNAGedcom. They process data only on our instructions and only to provide their service to us:
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Because your DNA and family tree data never reach our servers, they cannot be shared with anyone — they are on your computer, under your control.
We keep your account information for as long as your account exists. Sign-in records are retained approximately five years. You may request deletion of your account at any time by contacting support@dnagedcom.com. Your local DNA and genealogical data remain on your computer under your control — you can delete them at any time by removing the database folder used by the Client.
We use session-based authentication tokens stored in your browser's session storage. These are cleared when you close your browser tab. We do not use third-party tracking or advertising cookies.
When you accept this policy and our Terms of Service — at registration, or via the acceptance prompt after an update — we record the policy version and the date and time of your acceptance on your account.
Each version of this policy carries a version number (year and month, like 2026-07) and revision date at the top of this page. When we make a material update, we post it here with a plain-language summary of what changed, announce it on the website and in the Client, and invite you to accept the new version.
Questions about this policy? Email support@dnagedcom.com, or write to DNAGedcom LLC, 13511 Moser Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788.