Terms of Service

Last updated: July 2026 · Version 2026-07

Updated July 2026. We rewrote these terms to be more accurate and complete. See what changed and why — a plain-language summary for existing users.

These Terms of Service are an agreement between you and DNAGedcom LLC (13511 Moser Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788) covering the dnagedcom.com website, the DNAGedcom Client desktop application, and related services ("the Service").

What Changed in This Update (and Why)

This section is a plain-language summary for people who accepted an earlier version of these terms. It is here to help you understand the changes; the sections below are the actual agreement.

We now name the companies that help us run DNAGedcom. Brevo sends our emails, Stripe and PayPal process payments, Amazon Web Services hosts our servers, and Zoom handles office-hours registration. They process data only to provide those services. We do not sell your data — that hasn't changed.
New subscribers get a short email course (the DNAGedcom Academy Getting Started series). Every email has a one-click unsubscribe, and unsubscribing never affects your account.
We're being more accurate about diagnostics. The old terms said error reports were sent only when you chose to send them. In fact, the Client automatically sends anonymous diagnostic and usage data by default. You can turn this off any time in the Client under Settings → “Help us improve our services.”
We keep basic sign-in records — the date you logged in, your operating system, and app version — to support you and keep the service reliable. The old terms didn't mention this.
Academy progress can sync to our server. If you use the Academy content in the Client, your Getting Started progress (first gather, viewed matches, ran a cluster) syncs to your account so our course emails match where you actually are. Turn this off any time with Settings → “Show Academy content” in the Client.
We record your acceptance of these policies (which version, and when), so we don't have to keep asking you.

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using DNAGedcom, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you may not use the Service.

When you accept these terms — at registration, or via the acceptance prompt after an update — we record the version you accepted and when. If you continue using the Service after being notified of updated terms without clicking accept, your continued use constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

Account Responsibilities

You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials.
You must provide accurate information when creating your account.
You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account.
You must be at least 18 years old to use the Service.

Subscriptions, Billing & Payment Processors

Use of the DNAGedcom Client requires a paid subscription (Silver or Gold), billed monthly or yearly. Current pricing is shown on the Subscribe page. Payments are processed by Stripe or PayPal; DNAGedcom never sees or stores your full card number. You can change or cancel your subscription at any time from the Subscribe page; cancellation stops future billing and your access continues through the period already paid.

Acceptable Use

You agree to use DNAGedcom only for lawful genealogical research purposes. You may not:

Use the Service to harass, stalk, or harm any individual.
Attempt to gain unauthorized access to other users' accounts or data.
Use automated tools to scrape or overload the Service beyond normal usage.
Redistribute or commercially exploit data obtained through the Service.

DNA Data & Third-Party Services

The DNAGedcom Client facilitates access to your data on third-party DNA testing services (A*, 23andMe, FTDNA, MyHeritage, GEDmatch). You are responsible for complying with those services' terms of use. DNAGedcom is not affiliated with or endorsed by these testing companies.

Local Operation of the Client

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. DNAGedcom does not receive or store your DNA data or family tree files. You are responsible for backing up and securing the data stored on your computer.

The Client automatically sends anonymous diagnostic and usage data by default to help us find and fix problems; you can turn this off in the Client under Settings → “Help us improve our services.” Diagnostic data never includes your DNA data, family tree contents, or testing-service credentials. See the Privacy Policy for details.

Communications

Service email — such as account verification, password resets, and billing notices — is part of operating your account. Course and product email, including the DNAGedcom Academy Getting Started series, includes a one-click unsubscribe, and unsubscribing never affects your account or subscription. Data practices for all email are described in the Privacy Policy.

Intellectual Property

The DNAGedcom software, website, and tools are the property of DNAGedcom LLC. Your DNA data and family tree files remain your property and stay on your computer.

Service Availability

We strive to maintain reliable service but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. The Service may be temporarily unavailable for maintenance or due to factors beyond our control. Features may change over time.

Limitation of Liability

DNAGedcom is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. DNAGedcom LLC shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Service.

Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms. You may close your account at any time by contacting support@dnagedcom.com.

Changes to Terms

Each version of these terms 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. Continued use of the Service after such notice constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

Contact

Questions? Email support@dnagedcom.com, or write to DNAGedcom LLC, 13511 Moser Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788.