Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Perez Trace & Discovery

Perez Trace & Discovery respects the privacy of people who make research inquiries and of individuals whose information may appear in family-history records. Because genealogy, adoption history, and DNA research can involve sensitive information about living people, privacy is an important part of how research projects are planned and handled.

Information We Collect

When someone contacts Perez Trace & Discovery or requests research assistance, the information provided may include names, contact details, family relationships, research questions, family documents, adoption-related information, and information about DNA matches. Authorized research may also involve examining relevant public records and historical sources. We aim to request only the information reasonably needed to evaluate or carry out the requested work.

How We Use Information

Information may be used to respond to inquiries, evaluate a possible research project, communicate about an agreed project, locate and assess relevant records, document findings, and prepare research materials. Research conclusions are based on evaluation of available evidence; a record does not necessarily establish every statement it contains.

Communication and Storage

Inquiries and project communications may take place through Gmail or Facebook Messenger. Research notes and documents may be organized and stored in Google Drive. These services are provided by third parties and have their own privacy and security practices. Please do not send raw DNA files, sensitive identity documents, or confidential adoption records in an initial email or Facebook message; arrangements for sharing sensitive materials should be discussed first.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Client records and research information are intended for the purposes of authorized research. We seek to minimize unnecessary sharing of identifying information about living people, adoptees, and DNA matches. Information may need to be provided to relevant record custodians or research services when necessary for an authorized request, with consideration of the sensitivity of the information and any required permissions. Client research material will not be published as case examples or promotional content without appropriate authorization, except for disclosures otherwise required by law.

AI-Assisted Research

Perez Trace & Discovery may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with organizing research, examining historical context, and drafting materials. Identifying and sensitive information will be removed or minimized where practical. Confidential client files, raw DNA data, and sensitive identifying information will not be submitted to third-party AI tools without informed authorization and consideration of the privacy risks. AI-generated suggestions are not treated as verified genealogical evidence and must be assessed against reliable sources.

Research Records and Retention

With appropriate client agreement, completed research reports, source citations, and related research notes may be retained for long-term reference. Sensitive personal information and unnecessary copies of confidential documents should be kept only while needed for the authorized work or legitimate recordkeeping obligations. Retention arrangements may differ depending on the project and applicable law; long-term retention of a completed report does not automatically require indefinite retention of every sensitive document received.

Privacy Requests

Clients may contact Perez Trace & Discovery to ask about information held in connection with their research or to request correction or deletion. Requests will be considered in light of identity verification, applicable legal requirements, legitimate recordkeeping needs, and the limits of services operated by third parties. Deletion may not remove copies independently retained by outside services, archives, or recipients.

Website and External Services

The website is hosted by Google Sites and may link to Facebook or other external websites. Outside providers may process information under their own privacy policies. Perez Trace & Discovery is not responsible for the privacy practices of independent third-party sites.

Questions

For questions about this Privacy Policy or a request concerning research information, contact:

pereztracediscovery@gmail.com

Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated when research practices, services, or applicable requirements change. Any updates to this Privacy Policy will be posted on this page.