* Please sign this e-petition

[Stevebye]

Research Copies for Birth, Marriage & Death Certificates for Genealogical Research Purposes

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/1792

ID:6108

[Merenwen]

Actually, I'm not sure I'm in favour of this. From a family history research point of view it would be fantastic. But for living people, it would be another instance of their data being online. It's far too easy as it is for identity fraud to happen. The current cost is at least a small deterrent. If this was to be put through, it would need a provision in it simular to the census provisions (ie births more than 100 years ago, marriage more than 75 years ago and death more than 50 years ago). Or do you really want just anyone with internet access to be able to find out your mothers maiden name?

[Jane]

It's worth remembering you don't even need a certificate for the mothers maiden name just the index, which is easily accessible these days. Personally where they ask for Mothers Maiden name for security questions I use one of my Gx4 Grandmothers maiden names.

[Merenwen]

But to get to the index, you have to pay. Granted, ancestry/fmp membership isn't much, but it's a deterrent for fraudulent activity. I suppose as long as you can't get an uncertified copy without a GRO reference and it doesn't become a replacement for the index, it should be all right.

I actually think that it's a bad thing that just anyone can order certificates for living people. But hey, that's just me. I also think it's a bad thing that places ask for mothers maiden name as security questions!

[Stevebye]

Merenwen said:
Or do you really want just anyone with internet access to be able to find out your mothers maiden name?

They can on FreeBMD !

http://www.freebmd.org.uk/

[Merenwen]

Stevebye said:
They can on FreeBMD !

Didn't realise Free BMD has gone that far forward. No sign of my husband on there. Interstingly enough, my in-laws are there. They shan't be happy when I tell them! Will be an intersting conversation.