Policy-Discussion

[Iang <iang AT iang.org>]

Evaldo Gardenali wrote:
> Hi
>
> During the meeting, we came to the fact that currently we don't have a
> policy regarding names. I think we would need one, because I know or
> heard about the following situations:
>
> - Countries that have strict matching on First Name and Last Name
> - Countries that have strict matching on First Name, Middle Names, Last Name
> - Countries that allow you to have 20 first names to choose from at
> appropriate times
> - Countries that allow people to have a single name (a first conclusion
> would be that first name = last name, but it shouldnt appear twice
> - Countries that have fuzzy matching on First Name (so if you abbreviate
> from "Foobarblahblahblah" to "Foozie" its okay, provided that its usual
> to do so)


OK, I'll add some:

- It is common for people with double barrel names to use 
the shortened form in some places and the full form in 
other.  I know of cases, sometimes this is a bit of a joke, 
and sometimes this confusion ends up in official docs.

- In Spanish countries the surnames are a combination of the 
parents names, in some formula I never quite understood.  I 
suspect this can also have complications.

- Wives who take on the name of their husbands can sometimes 
run both names.  If they have the documents already issued, 
it is sometimes easier just to get only the drivers licence 
and local bank accounts changed ... leaving the passport in 
place.  Sometimes husbands take on the wife's name for odd 
and sometimes legally prescribed reasons.

- I just looked at some driver's licences, and they show the 
middle initial only, whereas passports generally show middle 
name(s).

- In some places, it is important to write the title, etc. 
In Germany / AT I gather you *must* write your academic 
qualifications in with your name.  Some anglo places will 
get a bit uppity if the Queen's Knights don't add the Sir at 
the front...

- It is possible to change ones name officially, by "deed 
poll."  Any takers?

- Some countries permit "artist names" which can be on the 
passport and other docs.


> I have heard some more, but cant remember right now... maybe I will add
> here.


Start a wiki page :)

> I would like ideas regarding CAcert policy for names, so we can actually
> serve people without creating more problems than we already have, and
> eventually solving some.


Sounds good to me!

iang