AI Best Practices for Genealogists
How to verify AI output, cite sources correctly, understand AI limitations, apply the GPS standard, and protect your data when using AI tools in genealogical research.
IntermediateAI Best Practices for Genealogists
This page covers how to use AI tools responsibly in your genealogical research: verifying output, citing sources, understanding limitations, applying the GPS standard, and protecting your data.
⬇ Download Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Always Verify AI Output
AI tools can make mistakes, especially with:
- Old handwriting styles
- Damaged or faded documents
- Unusual names or spelling variations
- Historical context and terminology
Never accept AI transcriptions or translations as final without human verification.
Cite Your Sources Properly
When using AI-assisted tools:
- Document which AI tool you used
- Note the date of use
- Include the original source information
- Indicate that AI assistance was used
- Record any corrections you made to AI output
Understand AI Limitations
| Limitation | Risk | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot verify facts | May present false info as true | Always cross-check against original sources |
| Hallucination | Creates plausible but invented details | Verify names, dates, and places independently |
| No historical context | Misinterprets period-specific terms | Consult period dictionaries and local histories |
| No genealogical analysis | Cannot weigh evidence quality | Apply GPS standard to all conclusions |
The GPS Standard Still Applies
AI is a tool, not a replacement for the Genealogical Proof Standard. Every conclusion must still meet the five GPS elements:
| GPS Element | AI’s Role | Your Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Exhaustive Research | Helps search and discover records | Determine when research is complete |
| Complete Citations | Can format citations | Document AI tool usage in methodology |
| Analysis of Evidence | Cannot evaluate quality | Assess source, information, and evidence types |
| Conflict Resolution | Cannot weigh conflicts | Apply preponderance and reasoning |
| Written Conclusion | Can draft text | Write your own reasoned, evidence-based conclusion |
Recommended Approach
- Use AI as a starting point, not an endpoint
- Verify every transcription against the original document
- Cross-reference translations with multiple sources
- Apply critical thinking to all AI suggestions
- Document your methodology including AI tool usage
Privacy Considerations
When using AI tools with genealogical data:
| Concern | Risk Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Living persons’ data | High | Never upload documents with living persons’ PII |
| AI service privacy policies | Medium | Read and understand data retention policies |
| Sensitive documents | High | Use local/offline AI tools when possible |
| DNA data | High | Never share with untrusted AI services |
The Puerto Rican Genealogy Group encourages thoughtful, responsible use of all tools—including AI—in service of accurate, well-documented genealogical research.
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