duplicates of living people

@Susan Caskey

Susan

I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...

Just in passing ...

In the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch' ...

'No', we are NOT encouraged, to create "Living" individuals/persons.

We are REQUIRED, to create "Living" individuals/persons, IF we WANT to link/connect together with OTHER "Living" Family members; especially, those who are also Users/Patrons.

And, especially, if one, IS a Member of the Church; where, our "Living" IMMEDIATE Family members, were AUTOMATICALLY created, by the "System", from our "Membership Records" of the Church.

As for those of us, Users/Patrons, who are Members of the Church, OUR 'FamilySearch' Accounts were/are AUTOMATICALLY propagated with, our IMMEDIATE "Living" Family members; thus, creating ("Living") "Duplicates" of such; and, ESPECAILLY, for MANY of us, such was quite extensive, with the introduction of "Private Spaces", in 2014.

ALSO, for Users/Patrons, who are Members of the Church; when, it comes to the Tenets of the Church (ie. "Temple" Work), we like to have ALL our, Family; and, EXTENDED Family, CONNECTIONS is place, for "Temple" Work; and, the "Sharing" of such.

One DOES NOT, have to create "Living" individuals/person, if one does not want to either, 'see'; or, to link/connect together with OTHER "Living" Family members; especially those, who are also Users/Patrons.

The choice is yours.

The REASON, that we are REQUIRED, to create "Living" individuals/persons, IF we WANT to link/connect together with OTHER "Living" Family members; especially those, who are also Users/Patrons, is BECAUSE of "Privacy".

Please be, aware; and, advised ...

That we can ONLY 'see' "Deceased" individuals/persons, in the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch'; except, with this 'rider', that one can ALSO only 'see' the "Living" individual/person, in the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch', that one created; as, they reside in one's "Private Spaces".

No other User/Patron, can 'see' ANY "Living" individuals/persons, that were created by another User/Patron; as, they ONLY reside in the "Private Spaces", of the User/Patron who created them.

We CANNOT even 'see', the ACTUAL Record, in the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch', of our IMMEDIATE Family (eg. Spouse; Children; Parents; Siblings; ETC; Etc; etc), if they are "Living"; and, they have their own 'FamilySearch' Account.

Of course, you can create your "Living" Family members; and, record them in the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch'; but, they will ONLY be seen by you:

▬ You cannot "Share" them with any other User/Patron.

▬ You cannot "Merge"/'Combine" them, with any other "Living" individual/person, residing in the "Private Spaces", of another User//Patron.

There is CURRENTLY, no mechanism, in the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch', for Users/Patrons, to "Share"; or, "give permission" to "Share", the "Living" individuals/persons, in their own "Private Spaces", with/between other/another User(s)/Patron(s).

There are a myriad of "Privacy" Laws, within the many various, Countries; and, Unions, throughout the World - it is a nightmare to negotiate.

The "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch', is used in many, Countries; and, Unions, throughout the World; and, as such, must adhere to the myriad of "Privacy" Laws, throughout the World.

Hence, "Privacy" is one of the reasons that we cannot "Share" the "Living" individuals/persons in our own "Private Spaces" - it is NOT the ONLY reason; but, certainly has a bearing on the matter.

Another factor, is that such would have to be 'Coded'/'Programmed', into the Programme, that is the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch'.

'Yes', these "Living" individuals/persons, in the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch', WILL, in fact, in many (most) cases will be "Duplicated" - unfortunately a necessary situation that currently cannot be avoided.

I know, that there are "Duplicates", of the "Living" ME - at least, one for my Wife and each of our Children, not to mention my other ("Living") extended Family members.

Here are some "Knowledge Articles", in 'FamilySearch', in regard to "Private Spaces"; and, "Living" individuals/persons:

Who can see my living relatives in Family Tree?

https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/who-can-see-my-living-relatives-in-family-tree

How does Family Tree protect the privacy of living people?

https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/what-is-a-private-space-in-family-tree

What Family Tree features are available in my private space?

https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/family-tree-features-available-in-my-private-space

Can my living relatives share a Family Tree private space to work together?

https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/share-a-family-tree-private-space-with-family

Can I transfer my Family Tree private space to another user?

https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/transfer-my-family-tree-private-space-to-another-user 

Plus ...

'FamilySearch', has been 'grappling', with the SHARING, of "Living" individuals/persons, between "Living" Users/Patrons; and, 'working' on this, for, MANY; Many; many, Years.

There DOES appear to be some progress ...

Especially, with the recent implementation, of the NEW "Family Groups".

Currently, the 'premise' of "Family Groups" is:

PRIMARILY: for the "Sharing" of "Temple" Work, for Users/Patrons who are Member of the Church; and, 

SECONDARY: a form of "Group" 'Messaging' Tool, for ALL User/Patrons

But, there has been 'Talk', in this Forum, that has suggested, that "Family Groups" MAY later, include a 'component', to enable the "Sharing", of the "Living" individuals/persons, in our "Private Spaces", between members of the particular 'Group'; as, a "Family Group" is, in fact, a "Closed" PRIVATE 'Group', with somewhat of a 'Modicum', of "Privacy".

We can but live in hope ...

Things are NOT; as, SIMPLE; and, EASY; as, most people think/believe ...

Just my thoughts.

I know, that this may not help/assist; but, I hope, that this provides you, with some additional, insight; and, perspective.

Brett