This very complex issue was rather hotly debated for several days on a couple of mailing lists. As Keith has pointed out, the motion to require removal of contemporary birth records from the Texas Archvies failed. Judging from the debate, the failure of the motion was due to as many and varied reasons as there are participants. I am open to discussion on whether or not GAGenWeb should have a privacy policy. I would like to hear from more of you on this question. Also, if we do agree that GAGenWeb should have a policy, should it be developed by a new committee or by the existing Bylaws Committee. At this time, let's NOT debate the privacy issue itself, only whether or not GAGenWeb should have a policy. Vivian At 02:05 PM 3/28/2005 -0700, you wrote: >A motion is currently being voted upon by the USGW AB and appears to be on >its way to failing. This motion would have required the USGW Archives-TX >to remove data on living individuals. (They have thousands of birth >records online even for children). >I now ask the GAGenWeb leadership to allow the formation of an official >committee to construct a Privacy Policy. This policy would (hopefully) >pioneer a mindset within USGenWeb that we are genealogists who help others >research their ancestors, not living individuals. >I volunteer myself for this committee as I am a Privacy Rights >Clearinghouse contact on the subject of Identity Theft. >Let's please take the lead on this issue. GAGenWeb has been professionally >and aptly operated for almost a year now and I feel it's time we break out >and show others we can lead where necessary. > >--Keith