The Bermuda Ministry of Finance has tabled legislation aimed at reducing identity theft and misuse of personal information by addressing the unrestricted public availability of certified birth certificates. The measure would preserve access for individuals and organizations with a lawful need for certified copies. The reform follows a Registry General review and concerns raised by the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee Working Group that current access could facilitate identity theft, financial fraud and other misuse. Public inspection of birth registers would continue under existing practices, while historical records would become publicly accessible after an appropriate period.
2026-09-04Ministry of Finance (Bermuda)
Bermuda Ministry of Finance tables bill to limit unrestricted access to certified birth certificates
The Bermuda Ministry of Finance has tabled legislation to limit the unrestricted availability of certified birth certificates and reduce identity theft and fraud risks. Lawful access, public inspection of birth registers and the eventual release of historical records would be preserved.