Review of MyHeritage: Experience and Privacy Concerns

MyHeritage, a popular genealogy and DNA testing service, has been a source of frustration for many users, particularly those who signed up for a free account or were enticed by limited-time offers. In this article, we explore the challenges faced by users and the questionable marketing practices of MyHeritage.

Sign-Up and Free Account Limits

Sign-up for a free MyHeritage account is fraught with limitations and spam. Despite the allure of exploring your family tree and potential free DNA tests, users are often met with stringent tree limits and invasive advertising strategies. The free Basic Plan caps the size of the family tree to a mere 100 entries, severely reducing the practicality for those with more extensive family histories or genealogical interests. This limitation can be particularly disheartening for those with a deep interest in tracing their ancestry.

Ingredient No. 1: Spam Calls and Emails

In addition to the limited account features, MyHeritage users often encounter a barrage of spam calls and emails. These persistent advertisements not only waste time and disrupt daily activities but also push potential customers to consider subscription services and multiple DNA tests. One particularly egregious tactic involves promising#160;limited free access to record collections. While some users may find it convenient, the underlying motive is often to entice users to subscribe to full plans and purchase DNA tests. This approach can be seen as a form of false advertising, as it misleadingly suggests free access is available without requiring any commitments.

False Promises and Spam Emails

Spam emails from MyHeritage are notorious for their misleading content. A notable example is a February 2023 email that falsely claimed I had created a "Smith Family" tree of 220 individuals, which is highly improbable given the lack of Smiths in my lineage and my personal track record of creating trees. This email also attempted to sell a discounted data plan to continue hosting the expanded tree, a move that feels more like a bait-and-switch tactic aimed at securing subscription revenue.

User Account Safety and Genetic Data

For security and privacy reasons, I used a fake name and email address to sign up for the free MyHeritage account. While the basic genetic information provided by the service was not overly surprising, my expectations for greater diversity were not met. I found a few potential 5th-grade cousins but was disappointed when I realized the business model was not about selling DNA tests, but rather to hook users into paying €120-146 for a message service. This approach lacks transparency and can feel exploitative.

Conclusion

MyHeritage offers a valuable service for genealogy enthusiasts and DNA testing enthusiasts. However, the experience can be marred by underwhelming account features, invasive spam, and misleading marketing practices. As a potential user, it is essential to carefully consider the costs and benefits before making any decisions. Transparency and user-oriented services should be the ultimate goals in the digital genealogy landscape.