Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
mitoYDNA.org Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
May 2, 2019
info@mitoYDNA.org
mitoYDNA Ltd. and the associated site, mitoYDNA.org, understands the need for personal privacy protections and we will comply with the policies stated in this terms of use and privacy document.
This Privacy Policy explains how our website works in connection with information we may collect through your use of our website ('Site') as a registered user. By continuing the registration process and your further use of this site, you consent to our collection and use of the information described in this Privacy Policy.
Please read this document completely and click “I agree” when asked to do so in order to join us in our work to make DNA crowd sourced, free, and accessible.
1. Contact information and Name
We are mitoYDNA Ltd. and our physical address is:
13511 Moser Rd Thurmont, MD 21788
We are referred to as mitoYDNA in these terms.
You may contact us by emailing to info@mitoYDNA.org. Please include your Name and the Kit number associated with the correspondence.
2. mitoYDNA.org Site Collection and Use of Information
Information we collect when you register to use mitoYDNA,org:
Your name, and/or an optional alias
Your email address
As a registered user you can provide further personal information:
Your sex,
Y-DNA haplogroup,
mtDNA haplogroup,
Genetic sequence/information,
Most Distant Ancestor Personal information,
Link to a third party site for your genealogical data, i.e., WikiTree
This information is offered voluntarily by you to allow for access and sharing of your data. By entering this information you consent to the storage, processing, and transfer of your personal information outside your country.
mitoYDNA will also collect information in the form of internet “cookies” (see Cookie Policy below) which include information about your equipment, browsing actions, and usage patterns. The information we collect automatically is statistical data and does not include personal information. We use this information solely for internal purposes, such as to improve our Site.
We may add services over time.
Our Site may use third party analytical tools to help us understand anonymous information about you, your age, interests, etc. These tools do not reveal to mitoYDNA, ltd. your name or other identifying information, therefore this information is not used in conjunction with any information you have posted within the mitoYDNA.org site. The anonymous information only serves to improve our site and allow us to better serve our registered users.
mitoYDNA does not manage or maintain any public forum for discussion.
We may disclose DNA Data, personal information, and/or links to our users Genealogy Data if it is necessary to comply with a legal obligation such as a subpoena or warrant. Our Database is open to all registered users and we can not attempt to identify Law Enforcement searches, for example the work of forensic genealogists. If we receive a formal request for your data we will attempt to alert you to this disclosure of your Raw Data and or personal information unless notification is prohibited under law.
You must be 18 years of age or older to register for mitoYDNA. No information for persons under the age of 16 is permitted unless it is posted by a legal guardian/parent.
mitoYDNA exists to provide DNA and genealogy tools for comparison and research purposes. It is supported entirely by users, volunteers, and researchers. DNA and Genealogical research, by its very nature, requires the sharing of information. Because of that, users participating in this Site agree that their information will be shared with other users.
Uploading DNA Data to mitoYDNA
When you upload DNA Data to mitoYDNA, you agree that the DNA Data is one of the following:
Your DNA;
DNA of a person for whom you are a legal guardian or parent;
DNA of a person who has granted you specific authorization to upload their DNA to mitoYDNA;
DNA of a person known by you to be deceased;
DNA obtained and authorized by law enforcement to either: (1) identify a perpetrator of a violent crime against another individual; or (2) identify remains of a deceased individual;
An artificial DNA kit (if and only if: (1) it is intended for research purposes; and (2) it is not used to identify anyone in the mitoYDNA database); or
DNA obtained from an artifact (if and only if: (1) you have a reasonable belief that the Raw Data is DNA from a previous owner or user of the artifact rather than from a living individual; and (2) that previous owner or user of the artifact is known to you to be deceased).
By registering for mitoYDNA.org and using the Site, you agree that you will not upload DNA Data that does not satisfy one of these categories.
mitoYDNA will not be responsible for any DNA Data provided to mitoYDNA in violation of this Terms of Service or Privacy Policy. Violators of this Policy will have their DNA Data or other personal information deleted without warning, their access will be blocked, and/or other remedial steps may be taken, including any legal action allowed under law.
3. Privacy
Although you may provide a real name for registration and data upload, you have the option of providing an alias for either login or data. If an alias has been provided, it will be displayed in place of the real name along with results. If your DNA is linked to your Genealogy Data, and only one or the other uses an alias, it may be possible for users to see the real name in the linked data.
If you require absolute privacy and security, you agree that you will not provide your personal information, DNA Data, or links to Genealogy information to mitoYDNA. If you do not agree and you have already provided your personal information, DNA Data, or links to Genealogy Data, you agree to delete it immediately.
4. Security
Although mitoYDNA has endeavored to create a secure and reliable Site for you, the confidentiality of any communication, material, or personal information provided to mitoYDNA via the Site or email cannot be guaranteed.
Be aware that unauthorized access (hacking) may be a possibility on this or any other Site. We take measures to ensure that only registered users have access to your results, but those measures may not be enough to prevent access. Direct access to your data is available to mitoYDNA.org personnel, including volunteers, on a need to know only basis.
Information such as DNA Data and profile information may be stored as an archive copy as part of a backup or recovery plan. When a registered mitoYDNA.org user deletes or requests deletion of DNA Data, and/or profile information, copies of that information stored in an archive copy will be deleted upon storage of an updated archive copy.
5. Research
We may use your data in our own research, to develop or improve applications for the Site.
6. Email addresses
Every user who registers with mitoYDNA must provide a valid email address for the registered account. It provides log-in verification and allows mitoYDNA to contact them if needed. You agree to keep your log-in information secure, and to keep your email address up to date.
The Email address and name (or alias, if provided) you provide is displayed in conjunction with any DNA data, along with any matches to your DNA Data.
You understand that any registered mitoYDNA.org user using the tools available on the Site may gain access to the email address you provide.
You may link your DNA Data to third party sites for your genealogy. This furthers your ability to use your DNA data in conjunction with your own and others genealogy to further genealogical research. mitoYDNA only provides links and does not have any liability for connections to or for information at third party sites.
7. DNA Data
DNA data uploaded to mitoYDNA.org remains the property of the person who uploaded it. When you upload a file, a kit number will be assigned at the end of the upload process. This number is unique to the individual DNA data upload, and will be used on the pages of this Site to identify your data, including being provided to anyone who shares DNA with the DNA data.
Use of Results
“Crowdsourced, Free and Accessible” is our mantra. mitoYDNA understands the collaborative model that is genealogy/genetic genealogy but also understands the reality of working in a “sharing” environment. Anyone found to be in conflict with these terms of service and privacy policy will be subject to an immediate ban with all their data removed. Examples include, but are not specifically limited to, spam mailing lists or publishing other people's results or personal information without their permission. Determination of any violation of this principle will be at the sole discretion of mitoYDNA.
While the results presented on this Site are intended solely for genealogical research, we are unable to guarantee that users will not find other uses, including both current and new genealogical and non-genealogical uses. For example, some of these possible uses of DNA Data, personal information, by any registered user of mitoYDNA include but are not limited to:
Discovery of identity, even if there is an alias, unidentifiable email address, and other obscuring information;
Finding genetic matches (individuals that share DNA);
Paternity and maternity testing;
Discovery of unknown or unidentified children, parents, or siblings;
Discovery of other genetic and genealogical relatives, including both known and unknown or unexpected genetic and genealogical relatives;
Discovery of ethnic background;
Discovery of a genetic relationship between parents;
Discovery of biological sex;
Discovery of medical information or physical traits;
Obtaining an email address; and/or
Familial searching by third parties such as law enforcement agencies to identify the perpetrator or a crime, or to identify remains.
You understand that future genealogical and non-genealogical uses may be developed, including uses that mitoYDNA cannot predict or foresee. If you find any of these current or future uses unacceptable, do not provide DNA Data to mitoYDNA, and remove any of your DNA Data already provided to this Site.
Third party integration is an important part of following the collaborative model of genetic genealogy and mitoYDNA works to create a seamless connection to third party sites for genealogical data and genetic genealogy information.
It is our policy to never provide your DNA Data, personal information, or email address to third parties, except as noted herein.
You have the right to access the personal information that mitoYDNA has collected about you. You may do the following at any time by contacting us.
Opt out of any future contacts from us;
See what information we have about you, if any;
Change, correct, or have us delete any information we have about you (including personal information, Raw Data, and Genealogy Data); and
Express any concern you have about our use of your information.
Accuracy of Results
The analysis and comparison results presented on this Site are provided 'as is' and no representations are made regarding their accuracy or usability. Changes in software and analysis tools may be made from time to time that could change results from those previously provided. We do not make any promises about: (a) the functionality of the Site or the Site tools; or (b) the quality, accuracy, reliability, or availability of the Site, including about any personal information, DNA Data provided to the Site. Any reliance you place on information found at the Site is strictly at your own risk. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such information by you and any other visitor to the Site, and by anyone who may be informed of any of its contents. The operators of this Site are not responsible for the consequences of using the information provided on this Site.
8. Termination of Service
Anyone wishing to have to have their provided Data Data removed from the mitoYDNA databases may do so using the removal/deletion link or other means provided within your mitoYDNA account.
mitoYDNA reserve the right to remove any DNA Data or personal information from the Site and databases, for any reason, at any time, either with or without notice. Any or all services at mitoYDNA may be terminated at any time, without notice, for any reason, at the sole discretion of the mitoYDNA.
9. Cookies
What Are Cookies?
As is common practice with almost all professional websites this site uses cookies, which are tiny files that are downloaded to your computer, to improve your experience. This page describes what information they gather, how we use it and why we sometimes need to store these cookies. We will also share how you can prevent these cookies from being stored however this may downgrade or 'break' certain elements of the sites functionality.
For more general information on cookies see the Wikipedia article on HTTP Cookies.
How We Use Cookies
We use cookies for a variety of reasons detailed below. Unfortunately in most cases there are no industry standard options for disabling cookies without completely disabling the functionality and features they add to this site. It is recommended that you leave on all cookies if you are not sure whether you need them or not in case they are used to provide a service that you use.
Disabling Cookies
You can prevent the setting of cookies by adjusting the settings on your browser (see your browser Help for how to do this). Be aware that disabling cookies will affect the functionality of this and many other websites that you visit. Disabling cookies will usually result in also disabling certain functionality and features of the this site. Therefore it is recommended that you do not disable cookies.
The Cookies We Set
Account related cookies
If you create an account with us then we will use cookies for the management of the signup process and general administration. These cookies will usually be deleted when you log out however in some cases they may remain afterwards to remember your site preferences when logged out
Login related cookies
We use cookies when you are logged in so that we can remember this fact. This prevents you from having to log in every single time you visit a new page. These cookies are typically removed or cleared when you log out to ensure that you can only access restricted features and areas when logged in.
Forms related cookies
When you submit data to through a form such as those found on contact pages or comment forms cookies may be set to remember your user details for future correspondence.
Site preferences cookies
In order to provide you with a great experience on this site we provide the functionality to set your preferences for how this site runs when you use it. In order to remember your preferences we need to set cookies so that this information can be called whenever you interact with a page is affected by your preferences.
Third Party Cookies
In some special cases we also use cookies provided by trusted third parties. The following section details which third party cookies you might encounter through this site.
This site uses Google Analytics which is one of the most widespread and trusted analytics solution on the web for helping us to understand how you use the site and ways that we can improve your experience. These cookies may track things such as how long you spend on the site and the pages that you visit so we can continue to produce engaging content.
For more information on Google Analytics cookies, see the official Google Analytics page.
Third party analytics are used to track and measure usage of this site so that we can continue to produce engaging content. These cookies may track things such as how long you spend on the site or pages you visit which helps us to understand how we can improve the site for you.
From time to time we test new features and make subtle changes to the way that the site is delivered. When we are still testing new features these cookies may be used to ensure that you receive a consistent experience whilst on the site whilst ensuring we understand which optimisations our users appreciate the most.
Several partners advertise on our behalf and affiliate tracking cookies simply allow us to see if our customers have come to the site through one of our partner sites so that we can credit them appropriately and where applicable allow our affiliate partners to provide any bonus that they may provide you for making a purchase.
More Information
Hopefully that has clarified things for you and as was previously mentioned if there is something that you aren't sure whether you need or not it's usually safer to leave cookies enabled in case it does interact with one of the features you use on our site. This Cookies Policy was created with the help of the GDPR Cookies Policy Generator
However if you are still looking for more information then you can contact us through one of our preferred contact methods:
Contact:
info@mitoYDNA.org
10. Data Loss
mitoYDNA is not responsible for data loss. Please reload if for some reason your data does not appear in our database.
11. Future
mitoYDNA will, as long as it is crowdsourced and user supported provide a free and accessible database to it’s registered users.
12. Disclaimers
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall mitoYDNA, its officers, agents, representatives, employees, licensors and affiliates be responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information in connection with the Site, whether caused by users of the Site or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the operation of the Site. mitoYDNA shall not be responsible for any implications of the DNA Results and/or DNA Reports whether or not they are correct or incorrect.
mitoYDNA is not responsible for the conduct, whether online or offline, of any user of the Website. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall we be responsible for any loss or damage, including lost data, lost information, personal injury or death, or privacy implication resulting from anyone's use of the Site or the Service, any information posted on the Website or transmitted to members or other users, or any interactions between or among members or other users of the Website, whether online or offline.
mitoYDNA may in its sole discretion, but is not obligated to, preview, review, screen, remove, or edit the DNA Data.
13. Limitation on Liability
In no event shall mitoYDNA be liable to you or any third party for any indirect, consequential, exemplary, incidental, special or punitive damages, including damages arising from your use of or inability to use the Site or any portion thereof, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages. We assume no liability resulting from any errors, mistakes, or inaccuracies of content; personal injury or property damage, of any nature whatsoever, resulting from your access to and use of the Site; any unauthorized access to or use of our servers and/or any and all information stored therein; any interruption or cessation of transmission to or from the Site; any bugs, viruses, trojan horses, or the like, which may be transmitted to or through the Site; and/or any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of your use of the Site, whether based on warranty, contract, tort, or any other legal theory. The foregoing limitations of liability shall apply to the fullest extent permitted by law in the applicable jurisdiction.
If you are dissatisfied with this Site your ultimate recourse is to stop using the site and removing your information.
14. Indemnity
You agree to indemnify and hold mitoYDNA, volunteers, employees, directors, agents, licensors, managers, affiliates and any third party acting on our behalf, and their respective officers, agents, partners and employees, harmless from any loss, liability, claim, or demand, including reasonable attorneys' fees, made by any third party due to or arising out of your use of or access to the Site, your violation of this Agreement and/or any breach of your representations and warranties set forth above and/or if any information that you post on the Website or otherwise submit to us or through the Site causes us to be liable to any third party.
Contact:
info@mitoYDNA.org
mitoYDNA Ltd.
13511 Moser Rd.
Thurmont, MD 21788