Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Update on Geni.com privacy issues

The GenWeekly Blog, dated January 16, "Yet another world family tree," expressed concerns about privacy issues relating to the new Geni.com web site. It would appear we are not the only ones concerned, as suggested by an article dated Feb. 18, "Click Here", noting a piece from the Wall Street Journal:"Geni has already raised privacy concerns over the level of personal information that can be published about a person, even without their permission. A Geni member can create entire profiles for relatives who don't visit the site, including their birth dates, education, phone number and photos." Apparently Geni.com has responded to the concern by limiting access, "To address those concerns, Geni is only allowing visitors to the site to see their own family trees." As new "social networks" come online with public zeal and the power of the internet behind them, we may need tamper our enthusiasm with a little caution when it comes to privacy.

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