Terms of Service

We're delighted that you've chosen kinkofa. These terms describe your rights and responsibilities as a customer and/or user of kinkofa’s software and services.

All associated websites and mobile applications, whether existing now or in the future, including all content, data, information, reports, software, tools, links and resources provided by kinkofa, Inc. (“kinkofa”) are referred to hereinafter collectively as the “Service”.

These Terms of Use govern the use of the Service by eligible members of the public (“you”), and you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use when using the Service.

If you do not agree with anything stated in these Terms of Use, please do not use the Service.

These Terms of Use are effective as of the date you first click "I agree" (or similar button or checkbox) or use or access the Services, whichever is earlier (the " Effective Date").

About the African Diaspora Reunification Project

kinkofa’s African Diaspora Reunification Project (the "Project") exists to reconnect Afrodescended people to their families using genetic and genealogy data.

The information provided in these Terms of Use and in our PRIVACY POLICY should be carefully reviewed to decide whether you want to consent to our analysis and reporting activities.

We collect, analyze, and report personal information about DNA Users to conduct the Project. We do so on the basis of explicit consent.

Any user who uploads a raw DNA data file ("DNA Data") to the kinkofa website (the "Website"), whether their own or as an authorized agent of the owner of the DNA Data, in order to use kinkofa's services, products, software, and applications for the DNA features on the Website (including but not limited to ethnicity estimates and DNA Matches) (the "DNA Services") may voluntarily participate in the Project.

When you upload a raw DNA Data to kinkofa, you agree that the data is one of the following:

• Your DNA;
• DNA of a person for whom you are a legal guardian;
• DNA of a person who has granted you specific authorization to upload their DNA to the Project

By consenting to participate in the Project and using kinkofa’s DNA Services, you agree that you will not upload raw DNA Data that does not satisfy one of the above-mentioned categories.

DO NOT upload raw DNA Data if you are doing so on behalf of a government agency, law enforcement, insurance company, employer, or another third party corporation. 

kinkofa will not be responsible for any DNA Data provided to us in violation of this Policy. Violators of this Policy will have their DNA Data or other personal information deleted without warning, their access will be blocked, and/or other remedial steps may be taken, including any legal action allowed under law.

WHAT WE NOT FINNA DO and how we’re going to protect your privacy:

What we not finna do is sell or license your genetic information or any of your other personal information (such as your name, email address, phone number) to any third parties, including the FEDS, law enforcement, insurance companies, employers, or other corporations.

If you are the parent/guardian of a minor, kit manager for someone who has DNA tested, caregiver to an elder who may wish to participate in the Project: you should talk with them and go over the information in these Terms of Use with them before deciding to participate in the Project.

If you are between the ages of 13 and 18, you may use the Service with your parent's or guardian's permission only. Children under the age of 13 are not permitted to use any Services. 

We do not knowingly seek or collect any personal information directly from children under the age of 13. If kinkofa becomes aware that we have unknowingly collected any personal data directly from a child under the age of 13, we will take commercially reasonable efforts to delete such data from our system.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at: [email protected]

A. What information does kinkofa collect?

The Project collects, preserves and analyzes genetic information, genealogical data, historical records, obituaries, photographs, surveys, and other information that you provide in the course of your use of our DNA Services (collectively, "Personal Information for Research").

We also collect your contact details in order to invite you to connect with relatives, offer feedback on kinkofa’s services and products, inform you of project progress, and update you on new features and events. 

Please read our Privacy Policy to know more about this analysis, reporting, and marketing.

B. How do we use Personal Information for Research in the Project?

We collect, analyze and report the Personal Information for Research in order to conduct research studies designed to further our goal of reconnecting the African Diaspora.

Examples of research that may be conducted under the Project include mapping the migrations of Black folks throughout human history and research on descendant communities and regional diasporas that will shape our understanding of cultures, genealogies, genetic groups, and further help us refine ethnicity estimates. 

The goal of this research is to develop new features and insights that become part of the DNA Services kinkofa offers to help us reunify Black families.

We will not: 

(1) conduct research on topics unrelated to the Project goals, or (2) use Personal Information for Research beyond what is described in these Terms of Use.

kinkofa may publish the results of some of the research conducted under the Project in academic and scientific papers to benefit the community. Such results will be made available only on an aggregate basis and will not include any personal information about you.

Should we wish to increase the scope of the research, we will notify you via email 30 days before and update our Terms of Use. If any changes are unacceptable to you, you may stop using the Service.

C. How can I take part in the Project?

After reading these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy, select the checkbox indicating your consent to participate in the Project.

This serves as an expression of your explicit consent to the collection, analysis and reporting of personal information.

D. How does it work?

Each individual DNA Data file receives a unique ID number that is assigned at the end of the upload process.

This number will be used on the pages of the Service to identify your DNA Data, and provided to relatives who share DNA with you.

E. Who will be able to access my DNA results?

You, and any individual who you give access to your kinkofa account, will be able to access your reports. Your DNA results are viewable to you, and also to your DNA relatives if you have opted in to seeing and being seen by them. 

Please note that your DNA relatives are kinkofa users that we believe are related to you. You should know that you might find a long-lost relative or you might find relatives that you didn't know about or that are surprising to you. 

You could also find that someone you thought was related to you is, in fact, not. 

We do not share your DNA results or your identifiable data with third parties such as insurance companies, employers.

We will defend your right to privacy from any subpoena and/or government request for your DNA data.

F. I made an unexpected discovery. What should I do?

When using our Service, you may discover unexpected facts about yourself, or your family (for example - you may discover an unknown genetic sibling or parent, surprising facts about your ethnicity, or unexpected information in public historical records). Once discoveries are made, we can’t undo them.

We suggest first taking a deep breath. Next, we suggest speaking with a trusted, licensed mental health professional or counselor about strategies for processing and navigating the unexpected discovery.

The following are resources for finding licensed professionals to support you:

Therapy for Black Girls, Open Path Collective, Grow Therapy, and Hello Alma.

G. How can I withdraw my consent?

Participation in the Project is purely voluntary. You may withdraw your consent to our analysis and reporting of your Personal Information for Research as part of the Project at any time.

If you choose to withdraw your consent, you may do so by going to:

• 'Settings' > ' Privacy' > ‘Opt Out’ > ‘Complete Consent Withdrawal Form’ and select the DNA kits in relation to which you wish to withdraw your consent. 

Upon your withdrawal, we will cease using your DNA Results. Please note that due to the anonymization of certain Personal Information for Research, any research or studies using anonymized or aggregate information cannot be reversed, undone, or removed that:

• Has already begun
• Studies that have been completed, 
• Study results or findings that have been published prior to your withdrawal 

H. Does kinkofa own my DNA data file?

No, kinkofa does not own your DNA Data. You own your DNA data and can ask us to remove your data from the DNA Service at any time.

I. How do I delete my DNA Data from the Service?

You can request deletion of your personal information at any time by contacting us at [email protected].