Amendments that aim to reduce the risk of identity theft from birth records passed without objection in the House of Assembly on Friday.

A review by the Registry General identified concerns relating to the unrestricted public availability of certified copies of birth certificates.

Meanwhile, the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee Working Group identified it as a potential vulnerability that could facilitate identity theft, financial fraud and other forms of misuse involving personal information.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, conducted the debate on the Registration (Births and Deaths) Amendment Act 2026.

He said: “The right of any person to search these entities in the registrar during ordinary office hours, upon payment of the prescribed fee, is preserved and remains unrestricted.

“What changes is who may obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate itself. Under the proposed amendments, only the following persons may obtain a copy of a birth certificate.

“The individual whom the certificate relates. A parent or guardian of the individual or a child or grandchild of the individual who is at least 18 years of age. A person authorised in writing by the individual, provided that that individual is at least 18 years of age. A legal representative of a person mentioned in the proceeding.”

He continued: “As such, the Bill strikes an appropriate balance between protecting personal information and ensuring that individuals and organisations with a lawful need for access can continue to obtain certified copies when necessary.

“This restriction does not apply where a birth certificate is sought in respect of an individual born more than 150 years before the request is made to the Registry General.”

He added: “Importantly, these amendments do not eliminate transparency.

“The public inspection of birth registers will remain available in accordance with existing practice and historical records will continue to become publicly accessible after an appropriate period of time.

“The objective is not to restrict legitimate access to information, but rather to prevent the misuse of certified identity documents that may be used to facilitate fraud or identity theft.

“It represents a practical and necessary reform.”