Kisses? Should NOT be banned on Memories App.
I am writing because I am concerned that any images of my wife and I kissing are blocked by the memories app. This is ridiculously restrictive and makes many of our wedding pictures unavailable. Please change this feature of at least allow it to be toggled off. There is nothing wrong with kisses or signs of affection. Our progeny deserve to know we love each other and show it.
Thanks
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I personally have always strongly opposed the ban, but I acknowledge there are a variety of opinions on it. I think the ban is ridiculous, as it seeks to obliterate from historical memory a common and positive human action that in many cultures is associated with marriage and partnership. Furthermore I acknowledge that the role that the Church of the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint had in establishing and operating FamilySearch and assume this rule derives from their religious doctrines.
Perhaps some compromise could be reached- allowing people to upload these photos but showing users a warning before viewing them.
This reminds me of what several Australian genealogical websites do. Some indigenous Aboriginals consider it offensive to depict or record a deceased person in any way (e.g. writing their names, preserving a photo or voice recording). Obviously most cultures and especially genealogists strongly disagree. If these websites were to avoid offend Aboriginals, they would have to destroy most of the archives of Australia, and the field of genealogy in Australia would come to an end. So instead, there is a warning that comes up when you first enter the website, warning you that such material may be displayed. I think a similiar thing could be done with memories that FamilySearch currently censors due to concerns it may offend.
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@A van Helsdingen, nope, not an issue with the religious doctrines of the church you cited.
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If you have not read the guidelines, here they are: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/legal/familysearch-upload-guidelines-and-policies?lang=eng
I doubt this will ever change. Unfortunately the world is an interesting place these days and there is probably no way to set a guideline that some kisses are OK and some are not. Legally it probably has to be all or none. Also, FamilySearch has to consider all cultures throughout the world and not allow photos that could be offensive anywhere.
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I disagree, mainly because of that last statement. All cultures? Family Search cannot possibly keep photos restricted that "could" be offensive anywhere. The world is too big, and people are too sensitive in general.
That said, policy #7 (kissing) needs to be removed entirely. Because there are already safeguards and policies against pornography, I cannot fathom why the site does not allow such innocent displays of affection.
The legality of this all is completely unfounded. If the guidelines were honestly and prayerfully considered, I am sure #7 would be stricken.
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Thank you for posting your question in the Community regarding restricted images.
We'd like to share an article from our Help Center that may help you with this issue.
This article explains that, "FamilySearch uses software to review each memory item that is uploaded to ensure that it complies with our rules and guidelines. You will receive an email notification regarding the restriction."
It is suggested that you, "Review the email and respond if you feel the memory item should not be restricted. Your reply is sent directly to an internal team for a manual review. You will be notified should the restriction be lifted."
We hope this helps.
Best wishes.
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@jaronhoaniking, remember FSFT is worldwide, it crosses all nations and cultures. Not everyone shares your opinion re: public displays of kissing. The ban is just a small concession to the deeply held views of others. IMO, I think your progeny will still know you two loved each other and were affectionate in the absence of your photos, they’re evidence of that.
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I can appreciate what a happy occasion your wedding must have been, but do not understand the need to share your wedding photos (kissing your wife, or otherwise) with the general public. If you were to be allowed to publish such photos on Family Tree, how would I be able to "toggle off" if I decided I would prefer not to share such moments? Would that be before or after I had encountered them?
I understand that FamilySearch has restrictions on photos involving a number of actions, or types of attire. Whether I agree with some of these is irrelevant - I just don't think it's necessary to share ones personal life with all and sundry. Why can't you just keep these photos in a private space, or post them on another website if you have such a strong need to share?
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Public? I do not think you understand the memories app. These are not public photos. The app operates as a sort of digital scrapbook. I never claimed there should be no restrictions. But such a strange restriction is inconsistent with a desire to maintain an accurate history of our family or the majority of all humans. We are social beings. We show affection. All that needs to change is to remove this one policy. It's a very easy solution and one that I hope family search will explore
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I really like this idea and appreciate @Chas Howell's contribution as well.
I will say that the defense of this policy as an attempt to be respectful of all cultures is a fairly ignorant one. Not only does is the role of physical attraction evidenced by the fact that humans continue to reproduce and repopulate the earth, but I have studied cross-culturation as well as asked about a dozen of my friends and colleagues who are from all across the world (Bangladesh, Mexico, Italy, Bahamas, Iran etc. to name a few), and none has ever reported that kissing is offensive. Nor are public displays of affection. It made me laugh when someone commented that these are "public images" and they may not want to see me kissing my wife. This is flawed for two reasons: 1. these are not public images, and 2. even if they were, to say "I may not want to see those," does not hold water because I could say your ancestor's face offends me and have an equally valid point as to why the site should restrict photos of your ancestor.
In short, this policy is outdated and misguided. All I ask is that Family Search reconsider. Please keep sharing to gain some traction and hopefully the development team will look into this and possible solutions. There are plenty of anti-porn rules in place so as to avoid anything graphic. A simple peck during an important moment (wedding) should not be discouraged but cherished and remembered for generations to come.
Thank you
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Firstly, I apologise for not understanding the nature of your query and implying the public could view photos in this (private) Memories App. As I never use my mobile phone to carry out FamilySearch work, the exact nature of what you are working with did not engage.
However, just a brief thought, after having read paragraph 7 of the Upload Guidelines. Taking into account the strict anti-discrimination laws of many countries, perhaps FamilySearch would find itself in trouble if it allowed photos of this nature, but restricted photos involving people of the **** / gender kissing. The idea of such photographs appearing via FamilySearch would cause me no more discomfort than the uploading of photos of you kissing your wife at your wedding. Forgive me if I am wrong, but I think it possible that some individuals might feel uncomfortable if a platform (FamilySearch) operated under the auspices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were to allow for photos of **** couples kissing in a loving way to be uploaded.
Regardless, there is "kissing and kissing" and I believe FamilySearch could also be trying to stop the odd individual who might decide to "push the boundaries", making it difficult for them to determine where any line should be drawn. I can empathise with their predicament here.
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Why are Pictures and Photos restricted with Kissing. In a WEDDING the Bride and Groom are told to kiss during the Ceramony. PLEASE CHANGE THE RESTRICTIONS. You may now Kiss the Bride.
Common we are not back in the MIDDLE AGES.
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@John Anderson Chopyak please read the comment https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/comment/472049#Comment_472049
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