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Archiver > TX-CEMETERIES > 2002-04 > 1019884186


From:
Subject: [TX-Cem] Re: TX-CEMETERIES-D Digest V02 #113
Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 01:09:48 EDT


Subj: RE: The Birth Records
Date: 4/26/2002 6:30:12 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: <A HREF="mailto:"></A>
To: <A HREF="mailto:"></A>
CC: <A HREF="mailto:"></A>
Sent from the Internet (Details)



After a lengthy evaluation it was determined that the birth and death indexes
(especially in electronic form) could be used to discover information about
adoptions, which under Texas law, makes them no longer public records.
Moreover, concern from federal agencies was expressed to us over concern that
the indexes available on the web can be used for identity theft. This has
become an even greater concern since the events of September 11th, when the
hijackers used false identities with legitimate documents.

The reason we still provide the indexes on microfiche is that the indexes are
still considered open records and must be made available in some form.

The indexes were removed from Rootsweb voluntarily after a California
Legislator contacted them and expressed concern to Roots web about the
possibility of fraud in connection with the California indexes. Roots web
decided that they would remove the Texas indexes as well while they
considered the matter.

We do not foresee offering the indexes on the web again at this time, unless
special security measures are developed and put in place. We apologize for
the inconvenience this creates for our customers. But we feel that if we
err, it is best that we err on the side of caution.

Best wishes,

Bob Woldman, MA
Program Manager
Statistical Services Division
Bureau of Vital Statistics
Texas Department of Health

(512) 458-7111 x2516 or

(888) 963-7111 x 2516



> -----Original Message-----
> From: BVSWEB
> Sent: Friday, April 26, 2002 8:14 AM
> To: Bob Woldman
> Subject: FW: The Birth Records
>
>
> Wants birth indexes back online. Please respond to:
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [mailto:]
> Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2002 11:23 PM
> To:
> Subject: The Birth Records
>
>
> When will the birth records be back online? Or a least the ability to
> download them?
> I do Genealogy, and appreciate the Nations security, but, its just
> as easy to walk into the County CourtHouse and get info. I hope the
> records will be put back online and back to Rootsweb.com. Its wonderful,
> not to have to drive and pay tons of money, just to put the info in a
> Family Tree program. Thank you and God Bless. Rhonda Smith Gay.


How about this security measure, just like GenForum and many of the other
sites, have people login. Using a secure server, or what have you. What do
yall' think? Rhonda.



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