Published on: 18. August 2025
Until now, we have based the publication of our digitised records on the protection periods set by the archives.
However, as living conditions – especially life expectancy – have changed significantly in recent decades, we have, after thorough legal consultation, adjusted our publication practice.
From now on, the continuation periods of the Civil Status Act will apply as our minimum standard. This means: with the exception of burial registers, no data will be accessible on Archion that falls within these periods. So we will proactively remove all digitized images that don’t meet this minimum standard.
Although this may mean some restrictions for your research, we ask for your understanding: protecting sensitive data is our top priority.
We would like to stress that this decision is not due to any shortcomings on the part of the contributing archives or our portal. Rather, it is a forward-looking and responsible step to ensure reliable use of our content in the long term. Since we know that this change may raise questions, we aim to be as transparent as possible. You will find detailed answers in the FAQ section below. If you still have further questions, please feel free to contact our support team by email at info@archion.de
Why are some digitised records being taken offline now?
With the increase in church registers from the 20th century and the rise in life expectancy, the risk has grown that data about people who are still alive could be available online. To avoid this, the protection periods on Archion have been adjusted as a precaution.
Why is the previous practice no longer enough?
Until now, the archival protection periods applied, which each contributing archive set according to its own legal rules. This practice is legally permitted. However, due to social developments, we considered it important to make a precautionary reassessment.
Were there any legal problems with the previous practice?
No. This modification is a precautionary and forward-looking step.
How was this implemented in practice?
For church registers whose end date goes beyond the cut-off year, certain images were removed.
What is within the new time limits remains online; everything else is offline.
How can I see if a book is subject to the protection period?
Will the removed content go online again?
Regular partial releases of individual years within a church register are not planned. However, at regular intervals, whole books will be released whose most recent entry no longer falls under the continuation periods of the Civil Status Act.
How can I find out when new records go online?
We will put a note on our website when large collections become available after the protection periods have expired.
Can I view more in the archive on site than online?
The restriction applies only to public online access. On site, the access rules of the respective archive apply.
Do other portals show more content?
Each portal is responsible for complying with data protection regulations. After legal consultation, Archion has chosen a particularly cautious approach to ensure reliable long-term use of the content.
Feel free to write us about your concern in person, either via mail to info@archion.de or via our contact form.
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