Genealogical Ethics – A Must Read from The Legal Genealogist
It references standards of behavior in situations where our research may impact the living, possibly in a hurtful manner. None of our research happens in a vacuum. Odds are that you are not the only person affected by what you learn.
Judy references standards published by The National Genealogical Society, The Board for Certification of Genealogists, Genetic Genealogy Standards and the recently updated Code of Conduct/Ethics from The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.
I will add to Judy’s list the Code of Ethics and Professional Practices published by the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) which explicitly states …
8. Maintain confidentiality of client communications and research, except as permitted in writing by the client or required by court or professional disciplinary proceedings;
9. Treat information concerning living people with appropriate discretion;
10. Refrain from violating or encouraging others to violate laws or regulations concerning copyright, rights to privacy, business practices, or other pertinent subjects;
The Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy also has Standards of Practice and Conduct which states “As far as legally and reasonably possible, I will protect the privacy of my Client and that of living people discovered in my research or named in my reports …”
The bottom line, as the saying goes, is to keep in mind that knowledge brings responsibility and ethical considerations.
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