The short version
FamilyLegacy stores the core project in a .familytree package on your Mac and does not require a FamilyLegacy account. HighRoad does not receive the project during ordinary local use. Data leaves the Mac only when you choose an export or optional integration such as iCloud snapshots or FamilySearch; model downloads, Apple purchases, and update checks also use the network without uploading the project to HighRoad.
1. Who we are
FamilyLegacy is developed and published by HighRoad Software, a software company based in Belgium. For any privacy-related questions, contact us at privacy@highroadsoftware.com.
2. Data you enter into the app
All genealogy data you create or import within FamilyLegacy — including names, dates, places, relationships,
sources, notes, photographs, scanned documents, DNA data, and hypotheses — is stored exclusively on your device
in a local SQLite database file (.familytree) that you control.
This data is not transmitted to HighRoad Software during ordinary local use and is not backed up to our systems. Data can leave the Mac when you deliberately use one of these routes:
- Explicitly export it (GEDCOM, PDF, ZIP archive) and share the file yourself
- Enable project-snapshot sync through your iCloud account, governed by Apple's terms and privacy policy
- Connect to FamilySearch and send or retrieve the records required for the operation you initiated, governed by FamilySearch's terms and privacy policy
- Create or share a review snapshot where that release feature is available
3. Data we collect — diagnostics and crash reports
Apple may collect diagnostic information under your macOS Analytics & Improvements settings and may make reports available to HighRoad. This information may include:
- Crash logs and stack traces; these are designed not to include project content, but review a diagnostic export before sending it manually
- Basic app version and operating system version
You can control Apple's sharing in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Analytics & Improvements.
FamilyLegacy does not integrate any third-party analytics SDK (no Mixpanel, Firebase Analytics, Amplitude, or equivalent). We do not track in-app behaviour, feature usage, or session duration.
4. Purchases and payment
The current release candidate is a paid-upfront Mac App Store app. Apple handles payment, tax, receipts, refunds, and billing information. HighRoad Software does not receive or store your payment-card details.
The repository also contains a separate direct-build licensing path, but no direct checkout is currently advertised. If one is offered later, its live checkout and policy will identify the merchant, data received, retention, and refund route before purchase.
5. AI, OCR, model downloads, and integrations
In the App Store build, the research assistant uses bundled signed local runtime components on supported Apple Silicon Macs. Prompts, retrieved project context, and responses are processed locally. OCR uses Apple's Vision framework on the Mac. HighRoad does not receive the prompts, documents, images, OCR text, or responses during this local processing.
Model downloads
When you choose an optional model download, the model host receives ordinary connection data such as your IP address, request time, and requested file. FamilyLegacy does not upload your genealogy project as part of a model download. Downloaded models remain on your Mac until you remove them.
FamilySearch and iCloud
FamilySearch is contacted only when you initiate that integration; the record data required for the chosen operation is exchanged with FamilySearch. If you enable iCloud snapshot sync, Apple stores and synchronises the selected project snapshots through your iCloud account. You can stop either feature in the app or system settings and use the provider's controls to manage copies held there.
External executable AI runtimes, direct licensing, and a non-App-Store update feed are limited to separate non-App-Store or internal builds. If a public direct build is offered, its disclosures will be updated before release.
6. DNA data
DNA match information you import or record is stored in the local project. HighRoad does not receive it during ordinary use. If you export the project, enable an iCloud project snapshot, or share related material yourself, that chosen destination may receive it. FamilyLegacy does not provide DNA testing or automatically connect to a DNA-testing provider.
7. Support communications
When you contact us at support@highroadsoftware.com, we retain your email address and the content of your message in order to respond to your request. Our email and hosting providers process that correspondence so it can be delivered and secured. We do not use it for advertising. We retain it only as long as reasonably necessary to answer the request, maintain support records, prevent abuse, or meet legal duties; you may request deletion subject to those duties.
8. Storage, retention, and deletion
Local project data and downloaded models remain on the Mac until you delete them or the app's data. Exported files remain wherever you place them. iCloud and FamilySearch copies are controlled through those providers. App Store transaction records are retained by Apple under Apple's rules. FamilyLegacy has no account to delete in the current App Store build.
9. Children's privacy
FamilyLegacy is not directed at children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has submitted personal information to us, please contact privacy@highroadsoftware.com.
10. Your rights (GDPR)
If you are located in the European Economic Area, you have the right to:
- Access any personal data we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate personal data
- Request deletion of your personal data
- Object to or restrict processing of your personal data
- Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
Because FamilyLegacy processes no genealogy data on our servers, the data under your control is the data on your own device. To exercise any of the rights above regarding support correspondence or purchase records, contact privacy@highroadsoftware.com.
11. Changes to this policy
We may update this privacy policy when the application adds features that change how data is handled. Significant changes will be announced in the app's release notes. The current version of this policy is always available at this URL.
12. Contact
For privacy questions or requests:
privacy@highroadsoftware.com
HighRoad Software
Belgium