Privacy Policy v1.7
Friar Genealogical Research, LLC
Last updated: August 2026
Introduction
Friar Genealogical Research, LLC (“Friar Research,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) values the privacy of individuals who interact with our services or website. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information in connection with genealogical and investigative research services.
This Policy is intended to comply with applicable U.S. privacy laws, including the Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA).
Website vs. Investigative Operations Boundaries
Our public website (friarresearch.com) operates purely as an informational, educational, and lead-generation portal.
- No Accounts or Portals: We do not host user accounts, member portals, or client log-ins.
- No Financial Processing: We do not collect, process, or transmit payment data or financial retainers through this Website.
- No Digital DNA Hosting: This Website does not host, store, upload, or process biological materials or raw digital genetic data files.
Information Collected via Web Forms and Direct Contact [1]
When you submit an inquiry through our website contact forms, or reach out via public email or phone, we collect:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Message content
- Non-sensitive case contexts or research backgrounds you voluntarily choose to submit.
Note: In accordance with Section 5 of our Terms of Use, users are strictly prohibited from transmitting raw digital genetic files, chain-of-custody documentation, or confidential law enforcement case files through our general website text fields or online contact forms.
Law Enforcement or Authorized Agency Inquiries
For inquiries submitted by law enforcement or authorized governmental agencies, we may collect:
- Professional contact information
- Agency affiliation
- Case or reference numbers
- Case summaries or investigative context
We take reasonable steps to verify the legitimacy of such requests prior to processing.
Automatically Collected Information
We may collect limited technical data, including:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device parameters
- Website usage data (pages visited, duration of visit)
This data is handled under strict data-minimization constraints and is used solely for routine technical performance, server load-balancing, cybersecurity firewalls, and monitoring website functionality. The routing and logging of this standard, technical metadata occurs automatically as an operational necessity to facilitate connection stability and protect our digital infrastructure. This standard network logging does not engage in user wiretapping, nor does it utilize, constitute, or function as an electronic pen register, communication interception tool, or a trap-and-trace device. We do not use cookies for targeted advertising, behavioral profiling, or cross-site tracking. Analytics data is aggregated and does not identify individual visitors. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though doing so may alter your browsing experience.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website uses limited cookies and basic analytics tools.
- Essential cookies: Required for website functionality
- Analytics cookies: Used to understand aggregate site usage and performance
We do not use cookies for advertising, profiling, or cross-site tracking. Analytics data is aggregated and does not identify individual users.
Users may disable cookies through browser settings, though some website features may not function properly.
How We Use Information
We process personal data under tight data-minimization constraints solely for the following explicit purposes:
- Responding directly to your website inquiries and service request
- Providing genealogical and research services
- Verifying and processing authorized law enforcement requests.
- Maintaining website security, firewall integrity, and anti-malware protections.
- Improving service performance
- Complying with valid legal processes, court orders, warrants, or subpoenas where legally mandated.
Explicit LLM/AI Restriction: In strict alignment with our Terms of Use, Friar Research does not sell, rent, lease, or commercially distribute personal data. Furthermore, we do not process, analyze, parse, or submit any collected consumer data or website communications for the purpose of training machine learning systems, artificial intelligence (AI), software algorithms, or large language models (LLMs).
Scope of Services and Data Use
We may use publicly available records and client-provided materials as necessary to perform genealogical and investigative research services. In cases involving multiple related individuals or overlapping genealogical lines, data is handled independently for each engagement unless otherwise authorized.
- Third-Party Platform Utilization: Services involve the use of third-party genealogical, DNA, and data storage platforms. These platforms operate under their own terms and privacy policies. Friar Research strictly interacts with these platforms in accordance with our public Compliance Policy, ensuring that consumer database boundaries and platform-specific Terms of Service are rigorously respected at all times.
- No Commercialization: We do not sell, rent, or commercially distribute personal data.
Data Retention Schedules
We maintain distinct data retention schedules based on whether the research is conducted for a private client or a forensic law enforcement agency:
- Private & Consumer Genealogy Cases: To support ongoing family history discovery and client continuity, general case files, research reports, text logs, and client-authorized genealogical trees are securely retained for a minimum of seven (7) years following case closure, after which they are securely destroyed. Private clients retain the absolute right to request earlier deletion of their files at any time.
Law Enforcement & Forensic Cases (FIGG): For inquiries submitted by law enforcement or authorized governmental agencies, we may collect professional contact information, agency affiliation, and case summaries. We take reasonable steps to verify the legitimacy of such requests prior to processing.
- Data Possession & Scope Prohibition: In strict compliance with forensic data minimization standards, Friar Research is strictly barred from receiving, transferring, uploading, or holding raw digital genetic data files (such as BAM, FASTQ, or TXT formats) at any step of an investigation. Raw biological file handling and database uploads remain an upstream responsibility belonging strictly to the contracting lab or law enforcement agency.
- Forensic Deletion and Retention: Because we do not possess raw genetic files, they are completely excluded from our retention schedules. Case-specific match trees, metadata, and analytical research notes are permanently deleted from our internal systems immediately upon project completion or contract termination using irreversible electronic data destruction methods.
- Incidental Data Exposure and Safe Harbor: In the event that raw genetic data files are inadvertently transmitted or exposed to Friar Research by an authorized agency, laboratory, or client, such exposure shall be treated strictly as an unauthorized transmission. Upon discovery, Friar Research will immediately execute its emergency containment protocol: the data will not be opened, read, or integrated into our systems; it will be permanently and securely purged from all electronic storage, inboxes, and local networks within twenty-four (24) hours; and the sending party will be formally notified of the exposure.
- Administrative & Corporate Records: Regardless of case type, standard business contracts, official correspondence, invoices, and accounting records are securely retained for seven (7) years to satisfy federal and state tax, legal, and operational continuity mandates.
Data Security & Breach Notification Commitments
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information, including access-controlled systems, restricted internal file access, secure cloud storage of project materials, and encrypted communications where appropriate.
- State Legal Alignment: While no system is completely secure, we monitor our digital environments proactively. In the event of a confirmed data security incident that compromises personal or sensitive information, Friar Research will take immediate containment steps and issue formal notifications to affected individuals and regulatory bodies without unreasonable delay, and no later than sixty (60) days from the date of discovery, in strict accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 36a-701b.
Minors and Age Restrictions
Our website and investigative consulting services are directed strictly to commercial entities, law enforcement agencies, and adults aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly solicit, collect, store, or process personal data, genealogical records, or genetic materials from minors under the age of 18.
If a person under the age of 18 submits a request or transmits data via our online portal, that information will be rejected and immediately purged from our data networks upon discovery. If you have reason to believe that a minor has submitted personal or genetic information to us, please contact us immediately at Hello@friarresearch.com so we can execute our data deletion protocols.
Legal Basis and Compliance
We process personal information based on one or more of the following:
- Consent
- Performance of a requested service
- Legitimate business interests
- Compliance with legal or regulatory obligations
We comply with applicable U.S. privacy laws, including Connecticut privacy requirements where applicable.
International Visitors and Data Transfers
Friar Genealogical Research, LLC is located and operated entirely within the United States. If you visit our website, complete a contact form, or submit research materials from outside the United States, please be aware that your personal information, communications, and any provided records will be transferred to, processed, and securely stored in the United States. By using our website or voluntarily providing your information, you acknowledge and consent to this cross-border transfer and processing under United States data protection laws.
Your Privacy Rights
Where applicable under law (including the CTDPA), you may request:
- Access to your personal information
- Correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion of your personal information
- Restriction of certain processing activities
Requests may require verification to protect against unauthorized disclosure. We reserve the right to request reasonable documentation to verify your identity and confirm that the request is legitimate. Requests submitted anonymously, via unverified third-party proxy platforms, or through automated bulk-spam tools will be rejected to protect the underlying security of our systems. To exercise any of these rights, please submit a formal request via email to Hello@friarresearch.com. We will verify your identity and respond within the timeframes mandated by applicable state laws.
Limitations of Services
Genealogical and investigative research relies on historical records, public sources, and client-provided information. As a result:
- We do not guarantee completeness or accuracy of all records
- Results are provided for informational and research purposes only
- We do not provide legal determinations or identity certifications
- Friar Research does not act as a fiduciary, custodian of records, or legal representative of any individual or estate.
Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, technology, or business practices. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights:
Friar Genealogical Research, LLC
Southington, Connecticut, USA | By Appointment Only
📞 Call/Text: (203) 806-5226 Connecticut, USA ✉️ Email: Hello@friarresearch.com