With the increasing amount of family history undertaken from the internet, many family historians are concerned about what happens to their information which they share with others researching the same families.  This topic arose recently at GSQ.  There was robust discussion by members who had shared information which was then put on the internet without their permission.  Other information was added incorrectly and they were unable to have the information amended. 

A further discussion occurred at an interest group meeting when copyright was mentioned.  This discussion focussed on the sharing of information that was then shared with others without permission of the original owner. This issue can be resolved by the use of basic good manners.  If you receive information by a fellow family historian or family member, please ask the provider if you may publish it, upload it or share it further.  They may not want this to happen or your intended use may breach someone’s privacy.  It may even breach copyright law. 

If you upset the person who provided information to you, they may not give you anything further including the only photo in existence of your great grandmother.

If you are concerned with copyright go to the Australian Copyright Council or the National Archives of Australia - Fact Sheet 8.

It is simply a case of using good manners.