Help:Anonymization

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"Anonymization" is a recommended option for:

  1. People who were added to WikiTree by a family member but who do not want to appear here.
  2. Formerly-active contributors.
  3. Active contributors who don't want to reveal their names.

Why to Anonymize instead of Delete

Anonymization is the best way to prevent someone's information from being shared on WikiTree. It converts a profile into an anonymous placeholder. It shows family members that a profile did exist but reveals no information, even to family members on the Trusted List.

This helps ensure that family members will not add information about a person in the future. If a profile is deleted there is nothing to indicate that the person doesn't want their information on WikiTree.

For example, let's say Joe Schmoe is the father of Jill. If Jill is deleted and her cousin sees that Joe Schmoe is listed as having no children, she may add the missing daughter. However, if Joe Schmoe appears as having an anonymous daughter, the cousin will know that Jill or her other family members don't want her information on WikiTree.

However, if especially sensitive information has been recorded on a profile, deletion is the best way to entirely remove it.

Notes:

  • Anonymization should only be done for living people or recently-deceased nuclear relatives of living people. Anonymization of profiles of long-dead people who are not nuclear relatives of living people is prohibited.
  • If the profile represents you, the choice between anonymization and deletion is yours alone.

How to Anonymize

1. Click the Edit tab on the profile.

2. Change first and middle name fields to an initial or Anonymous.

Leave both last name fields intact.

3. Clear out all date and location fields.

4. Clear out all sensitive information from the biography. Replace it with a message like "Family members: This person's information has been intentionally removed for privacy. Do not add any information to this profile."

Leave the family relationships intact.

You must leave the last name fields and family relationships intact. Doing otherwise would defeat the purpose of creating an anonymous placeholder. See Help:Deletion instead.

If a family member created your profile

If you did not create your profile, ask the Profile Manager to anonymize it. You can send them a private message through the link on the profile and point them to this page <https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:Anonymization>.

It's important to tell them your wishes. If they are sharing information on WikiTree there is a good chance they are sharing it elsewhere.

All Wiki Genealogists have signed an Honor Code that says they will respect the privacy wishes of others. They should be helpful. If they're not, see our policy on privacy conflicts.



This page was last modified 13:47, 17 July 2023. This page has been accessed 11,318 times.