Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 10, 2025

Disclaimer: MatchFetch is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Ancestry.com or its parent companies. All Ancestry trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

1. Introduction

MatchFetch ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, process, and protect information when you use our DNA match analysis tools, including our Chrome extension and Windows desktop application.

By using MatchFetch, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Chrome Extension

Our Chrome extension facilitates secure authentication with Ancestry.com and:

  • Temporarily accesses authentication tokens from your browser session
  • Does not store, collect, or transmit your login credentials
  • Does not extract or export your DNA match data
  • Only enables the desktop application to access your data through authenticated sessions

2.2 Windows Desktop Application

Our desktop application processes your DNA match information locally and:

  • Fetches DNA match data from Ancestry.com using authenticated sessions
  • Processes and analyzes match data entirely on your local device
  • Generates exportable JSON files containing your match analysis
  • Stores application preferences and settings locally
  • Does not transmit any personal data to external servers

2.3 Website

This website does not use cookies, tracking scripts, or collect any personal information from visitors.

3. How We Use Your Information

Your DNA match information is processed locally on your device solely for the following purposes:

  • Providing advanced filtering and sorting capabilities for your DNA matches
  • Displaying detailed match information, statistics, and analytics
  • Generating insights about your genetic connections and family relationships
  • Creating exportable reports and data files for your personal use
  • Enabling offline analysis and research of your genetic matches

We do not use your information for marketing, advertising, or any commercial purposes beyond providing the core functionality of the application.

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Local Data Processing

MatchFetch employs a local-first architecture where all DNA match data processing occurs entirely on your device. We do not operate servers that collect, store, or process your personal genetic information.

4.2 Data Security Measures

We implement the following security practices:

  • All data processing occurs locally on your device
  • No transmission of DNA data or personal information to external servers
  • Temporary authentication data is cleared after use
  • Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments

4.3 What We Do NOT Do

To ensure your privacy, we explicitly do not:

  • Collect or store your DNA data on external servers
  • Transmit your genetic information over the internet
  • Share your data with third-party services or advertisers
  • Track your usage patterns or behavioral data
  • Store your Ancestry.com credentials or login information
  • Create user profiles or accounts that contain personal data

Chrome Extension Data

The Chrome extension may store temporary data in your browser's local memory only as needed to facilitate authentication. This data:

  • Remains on your device and is never sent to us
  • Is cleared after the authentication process completes
  • Is not accessible to other websites or extensions

Desktop Application Data

The Windows desktop application:

  • Only accesses data you fetch from Ancestry after authenticating with the extension
  • Exports your match data as a JSON file for your use
  • Stores preferences and settings locally on your computer
  • Does not automatically save or backup your data elsewhere
  • Allows you to export your results to files of your choosing

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 Ancestry.com Integration

MatchFetch integrates with Ancestry.com to access your DNA match data. This integration:

  • Only accesses data that you can already view on your Ancestry account
  • Does not modify, delete, or alter any information in your Ancestry account
  • Does not store or transmit your Ancestry login credentials
  • Relies on Ancestry's existing security infrastructure and authentication
  • Operates within the bounds of Ancestry's terms of service

Please refer to Ancestry.com's privacy policy for information about how they handle your genetic data.

5.2 Distribution Platforms

Our applications are distributed through the following platforms:

  • Chrome Web Store: For the browser extension distribution
  • Direct Download: For the Windows desktop application distribution via our website

These platforms may collect standard download and installation metrics. We do not receive personally identifiable information about users from these distribution platforms.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

6.1 Website

This website does not use cookies, web beacons, tracking pixels, or any other tracking technologies. We do not collect analytics, usage statistics, or any personal information from website visitors.

6.2 Chrome Extension

The Chrome extension may access existing cookies from Ancestry.com as part of the standard browser authentication process. The extension:

  • Does not create, modify, or delete cookies
  • Does not transmit cookie data to external servers
  • Only accesses cookies necessary for authentication with Ancestry.com
  • Does not track browsing behavior or website visits

6.3 Desktop Application

The desktop application does not use any web-based tracking technologies and operates entirely offline after the initial data fetch.

7. Data Retention and Deletion

7.1 Local Data Retention

Since all data processing occurs locally on your device, you maintain complete control over data retention:

  • Data is stored only on your local device
  • You determine how long to retain exported data files
  • Application settings and preferences are stored locally
  • No data is retained on external servers

7.2 Data Deletion

You may delete your data at any time by:

  • Deleting exported JSON files from your computer
  • Uninstalling the desktop application
  • Removing the Chrome extension from your browser
  • Clearing your browser's extension data

Upon uninstallation, all application data is removed from your device. We have no ability to retain or recover your data after removal.

International Users

Since MatchFetch processes all data locally on your device, there are no international data transfers. Your data remains in your jurisdiction and under your control at all times.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do:

  • We will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
  • Significant changes will be posted on this website
  • Continued use of MatchFetch constitutes acceptance of the updated policy

8. Your Privacy Rights

8.1 Data Subject Rights

Due to our local-first architecture, you automatically have complete control over your data:

  • Right to Access: All your data is accessible within the application interface
  • Right to Portability: Export your data in JSON format at any time
  • Right to Deletion: Uninstall the application to remove all data
  • Right to Rectification: Data accuracy is determined by your Ancestry.com source data
  • Right to Restrict Processing: Control when and how analysis occurs
  • Right to Object: Stop using the application at any time

8.2 Exercising Your Rights

Since all processing occurs locally, you can exercise these rights directly without contacting us:

  • Access your data through the application interface
  • Export data using the built-in export functionality
  • Delete data by uninstalling the application
  • Control processing by starting or stopping the application

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons.

  • Updated policies will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date
  • Material changes will be clearly highlighted on this website
  • Continued use of MatchFetch after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy
  • Users are encouraged to review this policy periodically

10. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, you may contact us through the following method:

We will respond to privacy-related inquiries within a reasonable timeframe.

11. Effective Date

This Privacy Policy is effective as of October 10, 2025, and applies to all users of MatchFetch services from that date forward.

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