The Need for Professional Standards
There are four primary reasons why IGGAB feels professional standards are necessary for the field of Investigative Genetic Genealogy:
1. Data Privacy
It is critical to protect the personal information and family information of innocent individuals whose public information is accessed during the Investigative Genetic Genealogy process. IGG's must ensure that innocent individuals discovered during an IGG investigation are afforded reasonable levels of privacy.
2. Public Trust
The field of Investigative Genetic Genealogy can only operate successfully with widespread public trust.
- IGG relies on DNA testers to consent to uploading their DNA profiles to DNA databases used during IGG investigations.
- IGG is vulnerable to overzealous government oversight if the public believes that IGG practitioners are misusing data or violating database Terms of Service.
3. Proficiency and Agency Trust
Investigating agencies invest time and money in IGG, so they must be able to trust that IGG practitioners are proficient and ethical. Until now, there has been no way to verify the proficiency and ethical practices of IGGs.
4. Accountability
The AIGG process will only accredit those who have demonstrated the ability to practice IGG proficiently and ethically, and will provide a reporting and oversight mechanism that allows for sanctions if accredited practitioners break the agreed ethical standards.
IGG Professional Standards
The Investigative Genetic Genealogy Accreditation Board is committed to carefully developing a set of professional standards which we hope will become the framework for excellence and professionalism within the Investigative Genetic Genealogy community, even for those who choose not to become accredited.
After many months of writing and editing, IGGAB published a draft of the proposed standards for public review on Apr 30, 2023. The development of the Investigation Genetic Genealogy Professional Standards and Accreditation Requirements involved both the expertise of our Board members, many of whom are working in the field, as well as important input from our diverse Advisory Board. The draft of the standards were available for public input through May 30, 2023, during which time all members of the IGG community were encouraged to provide feedback.
Now that the public comment period has closed, the Board is reviewing the feedback before finalizing the standards. Lots of great input was received from a variety of stakeholders within the community, and the Board is committed to carefully reviewing all comments and considering edits which will reflect the best interest of the field. Once the standards are updated, they will be published here on our website.
After many months of writing and editing, IGGAB published a draft of the proposed standards for public review on Apr 30, 2023. The development of the Investigation Genetic Genealogy Professional Standards and Accreditation Requirements involved both the expertise of our Board members, many of whom are working in the field, as well as important input from our diverse Advisory Board. The draft of the standards were available for public input through May 30, 2023, during which time all members of the IGG community were encouraged to provide feedback.
Now that the public comment period has closed, the Board is reviewing the feedback before finalizing the standards. Lots of great input was received from a variety of stakeholders within the community, and the Board is committed to carefully reviewing all comments and considering edits which will reflect the best interest of the field. Once the standards are updated, they will be published here on our website.
Discipline and Dispute Resolution
IGGAB also plans to oversee a review process for disciplinary actions that could result in revocation or suspension of an AIGG's accreditation if a violation of standards occurs. The framework for this discipline and dispute resolution system is also under development, with input from the various stakeholders, and details will be shared at a later date.
Read about the Accreditation Exam.
IGGAB is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 non-profit - EIN: 92-1559358
