Genealogy Web site removes California birth records By JENNIFER COLEMAN Associated Press Writer Published 3:45 p.m. PST Friday, Nov. 30, 2001 SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - A genealogy Web site removed an index of California's birth records Friday after a state lawmaker raised questions about whether the online database could lead to identity theft. RootsWeb.com officials said they were removing the database while they discussed if there was a better way to allow people to research their family trees and protect the privacy of those on the list. Sen. Jackie Speier, D-Daly City, said earlier this week in a state Senate hearing on privacy that she was appalled the state had sold the database, which lists all California births from 1909. The index lists the date and county of birth, and mother's maiden name, which Speier said could allow thieves access to financial records. In addition to the California index, RootsWeb.com also removed a similar list of Texas births, said Craig Sherman, spokesman for the company. "We never had concerns about this before," he said. "Our core business is family history. It's there for a good purpose, to allow people to find long-lost relatives." San Diego resident Dwayne White said he was able to find some information about his biological mother before the database was removed. "I was able to find her birthdate and her mother's maiden name and that was helpful," he said. RootWeb.com's focus "is family history, the operative word being history," Sherman said. "It's a shame. This makes it difficult for people who want to use these records. We have thousands of databases and this is an important tool, but not the only tool." Sherman said he has never heard of a case of identity theft stemming from a genealogy Web site. The Department of Health Services sold the index twice this year for about $900 each, officials said. The records are available under the California Public Records Act. The state doesn't keep records of who buys the indices. Speier said she was concerned about birth records being public especially following news that suspects in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks were able to get fake driver's licenses in Florida and Virginia. --- Cathy Gowdy Marin Co. Gen. Soc.