Why am I blocked from my ancestors' records?
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When searching for relevant sources that could validate my ancestors I receive this message – "We're unable to show this record to you. This record can only be displayed on certain accounts. FamilySearch must honor the agreements we have with our partners, record owners, and internal policies."
The records relate directly to a section on my mother's side of the family. Why am I blocked and how can I gain access? I am unable to visit a FamilySearch centre due to ill health and rely totally on my private internet account to receive information.
Please advise.
Thalia Anderson, South Africa.
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FamilySearch doesn't own any of the historical records on the website- they have to sign contracts with the owners. If the records are on another website or the owner charges for in-person access at an archive or library, then the record owner is likely to oppose making their records freely accessible through FamilySearch. But FamilySearch is often able to negotiate a compromise that allows some users to get access. These users may be those at Family History Centers (FHCs), Affiliate Libraries, users located in certain countries, and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly known as Mormons).
The message you are seeing is a new one. I have not seen any official announcement about what it means, but suspect that either you cannot view those records from South Africa or you must be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to view the records. FamilySearch never discloses the contents of contracts with record owners. I suggest contacting the owner (e.g. a church, archive or library) and asking about alternative ways for you to get access to the records.
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Hello Thalia,
For future reference, it would be helpful for us if you post with your concerns the URL/link of what you see. What is stated above is correct., and to duplicate the problem would be necessary the link to the page where the message is, and or image of it.
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