Here we go again! We have another privacy activist trying to shut down access to public records, and yes it’s the Guilford County Register of Deeds again. An article, which ran in the Greensboro News & Record and Rhino Times this past week, questions the privacy and security of the files at the ROD. The articles were based on comments made by so-called Internet Expert Linda Criddle at a county commissioner’s meeting.
Criddle comments during the meeting include some “inconsistencies”, which were addressed by Thigpen on his BLOG. As many of you know, I have questioned Jeff in the past regarding access to public records, both in-house and online, and he has addressed these issues promptly. I, myself, am one of 700 actual registered users who followed the verification requirements to access online records. I have used the Guilford County ROD online access on several occasions and find it useful for research and development. Birth & Death certificates are public record and access to these records SHOULD REMAIN PUBLIC. Until the State changes it’s laws, vitals records will remain public. Criddle needs to understand the role of the Register of Deeds and the role it plays based on State Statute.
I’m not going to write a long, exhausting article to reverberate Jeff’s response to Criddle’s opinion on this topic. I will not repeat my feeling on this topic or re-post my article from last year. I will refer you to his direct and positive response on his BLOG, which will explain his actions based on NC General Statute. The BIN totally supports Jeff Thigpen and his office and thanks him for allowing researchers and verified users to access public information.
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