Genealogists' free exchange of family history information over the internet could be in breach of Sweden's personal data act, according to the country's Board of Data Inspection (DI).If the details being shared refer to the race or ethnic origin of a person in the 18th century, all living descendants must give their consent before any information is made public.
That's the gist of a stinging letter sent by DI last week to the Federation of Swedish Genealogical Societies, requesting that all personal details be removed from their web site immediately.
In this case, the discussion focuses only on Sweden's laws but the story may have implications in many countries. You can read the entire story on The Local, a web site in Sweden that carries Swedish news translated into English.
