How to Opt Out of FamilyTreeNow

FamilyTreeNow is a genealogy and people search website that provides free access to an alarming amount of personal information. Originally designed to help people research their family history, the site has become one of the most commonly cited data brokers due to the depth and accessibility of its records. Here is how to remove your information from FamilyTreeNow and protect your privacy.

What Information Does FamilyTreeNow Collect?

FamilyTreeNow collects data from a wide range of public sources and makes it freely available to anyone who visits the site. Unlike many data brokers that require a paid subscription, FamilyTreeNow exposes most of its data at no cost. A typical profile may include:

• Full name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Current and former home addresses
• Phone numbers
• Email addresses
• Names of relatives, associates, and partners
• Gender, ethnicity, race, and marital status
• Property details including address, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, year built, and estimated value
• Business associations

The data is sourced from government databases, voter registration lists, property deeds, court documents, census records, birth and death certificates, and marriage licenses. The fact that this information is freely accessible makes FamilyTreeNow particularly dangerous for victims of stalking, domestic violence, and anyone who needs to keep their personal details private.

Step-by-Step: How to Opt Out of FamilyTreeNow

The FamilyTreeNow opt-out process requires email verification and can be completed in a few minutes. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to the Opt-Out Page

Navigate directly to https://www.familytreenow.com/optout. This is the official opt-out page provided by FamilyTreeNow.

Step 2: Enter Your Email and Complete the CAPTCHA

On the opt-out page, you will see a form titled "Opt Out of Records." Enter your email address in the field provided and complete the security CAPTCHA to verify that you are not a bot. Click "Begin Opt Out Procedure" to proceed.

Step 3: Search for Your Record

Enter your first name, middle name (if applicable), last name, city, state, and birth year into the search fields. Click "Search" to find your record in their database. Review the results carefully to identify your correct listing.

Step 4: Opt Out of Your Record

Once you locate your profile, click the red "Opt Out This Record" button that appears above your full name, birthdate, and age. FamilyTreeNow will display an "Opt Out Status" confirmation message on screen.

Step 5: Verify via Email

FamilyTreeNow will send a verification email to the address you provided. Open the email and click the verification link to confirm your opt-out request. This step is mandatory. Without email verification, your listing will not be removed.

Step 6: Confirm Removal

After verifying your email, wait 2 to 5 business days for the removal to be processed. Return to FamilyTreeNow and search for yourself to confirm that your listing has been taken down.

Processing Time

FamilyTreeNow typically processes removal requests within 2 to 5 business days after email verification. Most users report seeing their listing removed within 48 hours, but it can occasionally take up to a full business week. You should receive a confirmation notification once the process is complete.

Important Notes and Gotchas

• Your information can reappear. FamilyTreeNow continuously updates its database from public records. If new records are added that match your profile, your information may be re-listed. Regular monitoring is essential to maintain your privacy.
• Multiple records may exist. If you have lived in multiple locations or have name variations in public records, you may have more than one listing. Search thoroughly and opt out of each one.
• The Do Not Sell page is separate. FamilyTreeNow also has a "Do Not Sell My Personal Information" page at familytreenow.com/do-not-sell. Consider submitting requests through both the opt-out page and the Do Not Sell page for more comprehensive removal.
• CAPTCHA issues. If the CAPTCHA fails to load or is difficult to complete, try using a different browser or clearing your browser cache.
• Birth year helps narrow results. Including your birth year in the search significantly helps in finding the correct record, especially if you have a common name.

How PrivacyOn Automates This

Opting out of FamilyTreeNow is a relatively straightforward process, but the real challenge is keeping your data off the site permanently. Because FamilyTreeNow regularly refreshes its database from public records, your information can reappear weeks or months after you remove it.

PrivacyOn provides continuous, automated protection. We monitor FamilyTreeNow and over 190 other data broker sites around the clock. When your information appears or reappears on any of these sites, we automatically submit opt-out requests on your behalf. You never have to check back or repeat the process manually.

FamilyTreeNow is especially important to address because of its free access model, but it is far from the only site exposing your data. PrivacyOn covers the full landscape of data brokers, so you can rest assured that your personal information is being actively protected across the entire internet.