Incorporating Technology Ethics into Genealogical Practice

Technology is now inseparable from genealogy. Digitized archives, genetic testing, artificial intelligence, and collaborative platforms have transformed how professionals conduct research. But with these tools come ethical challenges. Professional genealogists cannot simply adopt new technologies—they must also consider privacy, consent, accuracy, and long-term stewardship. Developing a framework for technology ethics is therefore a crucial component of professional development.

Why Technology Ethics Matters

At its core, genealogy is about people—the living and the dead. Unlike many academic disciplines, genealogy frequently handles information about living individuals: DNA results, family secrets, adoption cases, health risks. Decisions about how to collect, store, and share that information have profound ethical implications.

Technology accelerates these challenges. Online trees may spread misinformation at lightning speed. DNA uploads may expose sensitive family relationships. AI tools may generate citations that look correct but are flawed. Professionals who ignore ethics risk not only their reputations but also the trust of clients and the integrity of the field.

Privacy and Consent

One of the most pressing ethical concerns involves privacy. Even when records are public, genealogists must weigh whether to publish information about living individuals. Best practices suggest omitting or anonymizing details without consent.

DNA testing raises the stakes. Uploading results to third-party platforms like GEDmatch can unintentionally expose relatives to law enforcement searches or reveal misattributed parentage. Ethical genealogists explain risks clearly to clients, obtain informed consent, and respect decisions not to share.

Professional guidelines, such as those from the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) and the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen), emphasize informed consent as a cornerstone of ethical practice.

Accuracy and Accountability

Technology can create the illusion of accuracy. Automated transcription tools, shaky-leaf hints, and AI-generated summaries often look authoritative but contain errors. Genealogists who adopt these tools uncritically risk propagating mistakes.

The ethical response is to treat technology as an aid, not a replacement for critical analysis. Every AI transcription must be verified against the original document. Every online tree suggestion must be tested against evidence. Professional genealogists have an obligation to apply the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) regardless of how technology delivers data.

Intellectual Property and Copyright

Digitization makes copying and sharing effortless—but not always legal. Genealogists must understand copyright law and respect intellectual property. For example, downloading and redistributing subscription database images may violate licensing terms. Similarly, publishing someone else’s photographs or transcriptions without attribution undermines professional ethics.

Developing fluency in copyright basics is therefore part of professional growth. Ethical genealogists cite sources meticulously, credit collaborators, and obtain permission when necessary.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence

AI is reshaping genealogy: handwriting recognition, record indexing, translation, even narrative generation. While these tools promise efficiency, they also raise concerns:

Bias: AI trained on certain datasets may misinterpret names or cultural contexts.
Opacity: Proprietary algorithms may not reveal how results were produced.
Dependence: Over-reliance may erode critical reasoning.

Ethical genealogists use AI transparently, disclosing when and how it was applied. They also maintain human oversight, ensuring that conclusions rest on evaluated evidence rather than opaque algorithms.

Stewardship and Sustainability

Technology also raises questions of stewardship. What happens to digital client files in 20 years? Will proprietary file formats remain accessible? Professionals must think long-term, adopting preservation strategies such as open formats (PDF/A, plain text), redundant storage, and documented metadata. Ethical stewardship ensures that future researchers can access and evaluate today’s work.

Professional Guidelines and Models

Several organizations provide frameworks that genealogists can adapt:

BCG’s Code of Ethics emphasizes integrity, transparency, and respect for privacy.
ICAPGen’s Ethics Statement addresses client relations and responsible research.
Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) provides guidance on handling sensitive legal cases involving DNA.

Beyond genealogy, librarians and archivists have developed strong models of digital ethics, including principles for privacy, access, and preservation. Cross-training in these fields (see Post 2) can inform genealogists’ own practices.

Building an Ethical Practice

Incorporating technology ethics requires intentional effort:

Stay Educated: Follow developments in technology and ethics through journals, blogs, and webinars.
Develop Policies: Create written policies on privacy, data storage, DNA consent, and use of AI. Share these with clients.
Model Transparency: Document how tools were used, noting limitations or risks.
Engage in Dialogue: Join conversations in professional societies about ethical challenges and evolving best practices.
Review Regularly: Technology changes quickly; ethical policies must be revisited and updated.

Technology is not neutral—it shapes how genealogists work, what evidence they prioritize, and how stories are told. For professionals, incorporating technology ethics is not optional. It is a core responsibility that protects clients, preserves trust, and upholds the standards of the field. By staying informed, setting clear policies, and modeling transparency, genealogists can harness technology’s potential while safeguarding ethical integrity.

Citations

Board for Certification of Genealogists. Genealogy Standards. 2nd ed. Nashville: Ancestry.com, 2019.
International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen). “Code of Ethics.” https://www.icapgen.org.
Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy. “Ethics.” https://www.forensicgenealogists.org.
Zuboff, Shoshana. The Age of Surveillance Capitalism. New York: PublicAffairs, 2019.
Wagner, Debra. “AI and Genealogy: Promise and Pitfalls.” APG Quarterly 45, no. 1 (2023).