Is Big Brother Archiving?
Recent news reports such as the one where 2.3 million financial records were stolen and where the government collected phone records, have made me wonder more about record management these days and in the recent past.
Obviously, the federal government is archiving most of its materials, as they always have, much of it presumably to become public information long after our deaths. Some of these materials will be of interest to future descendants, including passport and Social Security Applications, military service and pension records, and IRS tax information. I believe it is unknown whether the NSA phone records will be archived or eventually become part of the public record.
Certainly, current trends seem to be pushing for more classified information. According to a 2006 AP survey (referenced here), 616 laws restricting access to public government records and meetings have been passed since 9/11. Only 283 were passed to loosen access.
Vital records are among those discussed as not public information. Some genealogists are fighting these restrictions. News agencies reported that the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Act of 2004 has a clause that "requires minimum standards for the use of birth certificates by Federal agencies for official purposes." The federal government was attempting to restrict access to the certificates since they can be used as identification, possibly by terrorists. Most states were considering restricting access to the records, and some states have done so, though most seem to have a clause that opens them to the public long after we are all dead.
Some states (such as Colorado) have responded to the federal law by restricting genealogical access to vital records. Or at least, I assume that's what is meant by: "genealogists representing family members with appropriate credentials". I'm not sure what a 'family member with appropriate credentials' would be, and assume that the second clause is misplaced: that the genealogist is supposed to have the credentials. The COGenBlog reported that one searcher was told, "genealogy database printouts, research documents, family letters, genealogy society membership cards, etc., which show proof of genealogy research work related to that person will meet the requirement." The Wandering Author mentions the genealogy community controversy over restricting access to just professionals in a recent post.
But back to our subject.... of far more interest than these government documents (assuming basic facts are established), would be looking at credit card records and search terms. I mean, what better way to figure out what is driving a person? Just ask the advertising companies!
The trouble is that many of these documents are kept by private businesses. Some businesses do maintain archives. There is a listing of some of them here. However, most businesses probably go into and out of existence or through mergers too quickly. Also, I'm not aware of what most of these businesses keep in archives, but I suspect that data on the individual is not high on the list. Financial records for the agency, possibly a list of customers, but probably not your monthly credit card bills.
Still, thinking about all the information about me that is out there... utility and phone records, search information, driver's licenses, magazine subscriptions, credit card and bank statements... wouldn't that be a gold mine for some future descendant! I mean wouldn't you love to know who great-Grandma talked to on the phone, what she bought (and for how much), have a photo (even if it was a license photo), know what she read and what her hobbies were, and if she defaulted on her loans?
Obviously, the federal government is archiving most of its materials, as they always have, much of it presumably to become public information long after our deaths. Some of these materials will be of interest to future descendants, including passport and Social Security Applications, military service and pension records, and IRS tax information. I believe it is unknown whether the NSA phone records will be archived or eventually become part of the public record.
Certainly, current trends seem to be pushing for more classified information. According to a 2006 AP survey (referenced here), 616 laws restricting access to public government records and meetings have been passed since 9/11. Only 283 were passed to loosen access.
Vital records are among those discussed as not public information. Some genealogists are fighting these restrictions. News agencies reported that the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Act of 2004 has a clause that "requires minimum standards for the use of birth certificates by Federal agencies for official purposes." The federal government was attempting to restrict access to the certificates since they can be used as identification, possibly by terrorists. Most states were considering restricting access to the records, and some states have done so, though most seem to have a clause that opens them to the public long after we are all dead.
Some states (such as Colorado) have responded to the federal law by restricting genealogical access to vital records. Or at least, I assume that's what is meant by: "genealogists representing family members with appropriate credentials". I'm not sure what a 'family member with appropriate credentials' would be, and assume that the second clause is misplaced: that the genealogist is supposed to have the credentials. The COGenBlog reported that one searcher was told, "genealogy database printouts, research documents, family letters, genealogy society membership cards, etc., which show proof of genealogy research work related to that person will meet the requirement." The Wandering Author mentions the genealogy community controversy over restricting access to just professionals in a recent post.
But back to our subject.... of far more interest than these government documents (assuming basic facts are established), would be looking at credit card records and search terms. I mean, what better way to figure out what is driving a person? Just ask the advertising companies!
The trouble is that many of these documents are kept by private businesses. Some businesses do maintain archives. There is a listing of some of them here. However, most businesses probably go into and out of existence or through mergers too quickly. Also, I'm not aware of what most of these businesses keep in archives, but I suspect that data on the individual is not high on the list. Financial records for the agency, possibly a list of customers, but probably not your monthly credit card bills.
Still, thinking about all the information about me that is out there... utility and phone records, search information, driver's licenses, magazine subscriptions, credit card and bank statements... wouldn't that be a gold mine for some future descendant! I mean wouldn't you love to know who great-Grandma talked to on the phone, what she bought (and for how much), have a photo (even if it was a license photo), know what she read and what her hobbies were, and if she defaulted on her loans?
Labels: family history, genealogy, sources
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