Generative artificial intelligence (AI) offers many different methods for saving time and improving our writing, among other advantages. However, these tools can raise numerous potential ethical issues for genealogists. We will discuss many of these issues including plagiarism, copyright infringement, AI policies, and more, so that you can avoid problems while exploiting AI tools for your benefit. After this talk, you'll have an awareness of some of the most pressing issues affecting generative AI for genealogists!

Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence and the use of artificial intelligence for genealogical research. Since 2007, he has authored the long-running blog “The Genetic Genealogist” (www.thegeneticgenealogist.com), and has been the founder of two very active Facebook Groups: “Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques” in 2017, now with more than 75,000 members; and “Genealogy and Artificial Intelligence” in January 2023 with nearly 7,000 members by May 2024. He frequently gives presentations and webinars to educate others about the use of DNA and artificial intelligence. Blaine is the author of The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy, and co-author with Debbie Parker Wayne of the award-winning Genetic Genealogy in Practice, the world’s first genetic genealogy workbook. Blaine is or has been an instructor for genetic genealogy courses at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), and Virtual Institute of Genealogical Research. Blaine is a graduate of ProGen Study Group 21, a trustee for the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, and a member of the DNAngels Board of Directors since 2022 (President since January 2023), and a member of the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) “Investigative Genetic Genealogy Working Group” since 2019.