End-to-End Encrypted Family Tree – Maximum Privacy for Your Family History
An end-to-end encrypted family tree ensures that your family history is encrypted on your device before it ever reaches our servers. We cannot decrypt your data, meaning your family tree remains completely private and secure.
famstory uses client-side encryption to protect your family tree data, photos, and personal notes from the moment you enter them.
What is End-to-End Encryption?
This encryption method means your data is encrypted on your device (the "end") and can only be decrypted by you (the other "end"). Even the service provider cannot access your unencrypted data.
For your genealogy research, this means:
- Your data is encrypted before it leaves your browser
- We cannot read your family tree information
- Only you hold the decryption keys
- Your privacy is mathematically guaranteed
- No backdoors or access by the service provider
This is the gold standard for privacy in genealogy software.
How Client-Side Encryption Protects Your Data
1. Client-Side Encryption
All family tree data – names, dates, relationships, photos, and notes – is encrypted in your browser using strong encryption algorithms before transmission.
2. Encrypted Storage
Your encrypted data is stored securely on our servers. Even if someone gained access to our servers, they would only see encrypted data that they cannot decrypt.
3. Decryption Only on Your Device
When you access your tree, decryption happens only on your device. Your password never leaves your browser, and we never see your unencrypted data.
This architecture ensures that your family history remains private, even from the service provider.
Benefits of Full Encryption
- Complete privacy – we cannot access your data
- Protection from data breaches – encrypted data is useless without keys
- No data mining – we cannot analyze or sell your information
- Legal protection – even if subpoenaed, we cannot provide unencrypted data
- Peace of mind – your family history is truly yours alone
This approach gives you the highest level of privacy available.
What Gets Encrypted?
With famstory, everything is encrypted:
- All family member names and relationships
- Birth and death dates
- Locations and addresses
- Photos and images
- Personal notes and memories
- Documents and files
- Any other information you add
Nothing is stored in plain text. Everything in your tree is protected.
Why Encryption Matters for Genealogy
Family trees contain sensitive information: living relatives' addresses, personal stories, and private memories. Client-side encryption protects this information from:
- Data breaches and hackers
- Service provider access
- Government surveillance (we cannot provide unencrypted data)
- Data mining and advertising
- Unauthorized sharing or leaks
With this approach, you maintain complete control over your family's privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does end-to-end encryption work?
Your data is encrypted in your browser using your password before it's sent to our servers. We store only the encrypted data. When you log in, your password decrypts the data on your device. We never see unencrypted data.
What if I forget my password?
Because your data is end-to-end encrypted, we cannot reset your password or recover your data. Only you have the decryption keys. This is by design to ensure maximum privacy. Keep your password secure and consider using a password manager.
Is end-to-end encryption slower?
Modern encryption is very fast. The encryption and decryption happen in your browser and are typically imperceptible. The security benefits far outweigh any minimal performance impact.
Can I share my encrypted family tree?
Yes, you can share access with family members. They will need your password or a shared access method. The data remains encrypted, and you maintain control over who can access it.
Build Your Encrypted Family Tree
If you want the highest level of privacy for your family history, famstory ensures that only you can access your data. We provide this level of security with a simple, private interface.
👉 Start your private family tree