Genealogy platform MyHeritage suspends services in Russia

GaryPageau ,
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Family history platform MyHeritage is suspending services in Russia and plans to delete the personal data of Russian users, according to the Moscow Times. The company informed users that all accounts and associated data of Russian clients would be permanently deleted by Feb. 1, 2025.

“Due to local regulations in Russia, MyHeritage is required to stop providing its services in Russia and to stop hosting personal data of Russian users,” read a message of one client shared on social media.

“We encourage you to export your family tree data and/or DNA, should you wish to keep it,” the message added.

In 2022, Russian authorities fined MyHeritage 1.5 million rubles ($13,186) for failing to comply with laws requiring user data to be stored on servers located in Russia. Russia’s data localization law applies to both domestic and foreign companies and has led to restrictions on platforms such as LinkedIn, which was blocked in 2016 for non-compliance.

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Gary Pageau is principal of InfoCircle LLC, continuing his marketing communications career. InfoCircle LLC is a marketing and communications consulting firm, specializing in business-to-business markets. For nearly 25 years, he was with PMA International, serving most recently as Publisher, Content Development and Strategic Initiatives. His primary responsibilities included overseeing the Association’s editorial department, marketing research unit, education and corporate relations department.