Body
Preface
Clark County will protect the privacy of all personal information in its custody, in keeping with the access and privacy provisions of all applicable legislation.
Logging Practices
Clark County Web servers automatically record Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of visitors. The IP address is a unique number assigned to every computer on the Internet. Generally, an IP address changes each time you connect to the Internet (it is a "dynamic" address). However, if you have a broadband connection, depending on your individual circumstance, the IP address we collect may contain information that could be considered identifiable. With some broadband connections, your IP address doesn't change (it is "static") and could be associated with your personal computer.
As well as recording users’ IP addresses, Clark County's Web server keeps track of sites users visit immediately before visiting Clark County's website and the search terms they used to find it. The Web server keeps track of pages visited on the county's website, the amount of time spent on each page and the type of searches done on them. Your searches remain confidential and anonymous. Clark County uses this information only for statistical purposes, to understand which pages users find most useful and how to improve the website.
Clark County’s servers also capture and store information your browser transmits. This includes:
- Browser type/version
- Operating system used
- Date and time of the server request
- Volume of data transferred
- Access status (file transferred, file not found and so on)
Clark County also uses a web analysis service called “Google Analytics.” The Google service collects data to track and examine use of clark.wa.gov to prepare reports on website activities and share them with other Google services used primarily for website management and enhancement.
This data will be used to generate statistics that help us adapt our websites to meet your individual needs. We will not deduce personal references from this information.
Cookies
Cookies are electronic placeholders put on your computer by websites to track your individual movements on that website. Cookies used by Clark County are session-based and therefore last only for the duration of the user's session. They are not tied to a specific identity; they do not store your identifiable personal information.
Occasionally, Clark County will use persistent cookies. This type of cookie remains on your hard drive. It provides information about the session you are in and waits for the next time you use that site. This type of cookie enables the county to recognize repeat users, facilitates the user's access to and use of the site, and allows a site to track usage behavior, which lets Clark County make content improvements. Such cookies are used only for this purpose. They are not used to identify people or to track their use of other sites.
If you do not want a cookie placed on your computer as a result of using a Clark County website, you can disable cookies altogether by modifying the preferences section of your Web browser. However, if you do, some aspects of Clark County websites could be unavailable to you. If you choose to accept cookies on your hard drive but want to be informed of their application, you can turn on a warning prompt by modifying the cookie-warning section in the preferences section of your Web browser.
External Links Disclaimer
Some of Clark County's pages link to other sites created and maintained by other public- and/or private-sector organizations. Clark County provides links solely for your information and convenience. When you transfer to an outside website, you leave the Clark County website, and Clark County's information management policies no longer apply. Clark County encourages you to read the privacy statement of each and every website you visit before you provide any personal information.
Communicating With Us
If you choose to contact Clark County staff using an email address or another electronic communication method, or if you choose to complete an online form provided on a Clark County website (for example, a customer feedback form), we may ask you to provide your name, email address or other personal information.
Collecting this information allows staff to respond to your inquiry or evaluate individual Web services. Only authorized staff will have access to the information provided, and the information will be used only for the purpose it was intended. Information will be retained as long as necessary to conduct county business in accordance with records retention laws.
Applicable Law
This privacy policy is governed and will be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the United States.
If you reside outside the U.S. and use our services, your information will be transferred to the U.S., where it will be processed and stored under U.S. privacy standards. By using our services and providing information to us, you consent to such transfer and processing.
How We Use Your Information
Clark County uses the information collected to provide a safe, efficient and customized experience. We use the information we collect to provide our services and features to you, measure and improve those services and features, and provide customer support. We use the information to prevent potentially illegal activities and enforce our terms and conditions. We also use a variety of technological systems to detect and address anomalous activity and screen content to prevent abuse, such as spam. These efforts may result in a temporary suspension or permanent termination of some functions for some users.
Review and Ratification
We occasionally may update this privacy policy. We encourage you to periodically review this privacy policy to stay informed about how we are helping protect the personal information we collect. Your continued use of the service constitutes your agreement to this privacy policy and any updates.
Use of Social Media
Employees of Clark County use social media. Clark County reserves the right to monitor social media activities to the extent permitted by law and strives to protect employees' privacy where possible.
Definitions
"Personal information" means any information relating to an identified or identifiable person. An identifiable person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, by reference to an identification number or one or more factors specific to his or her physical, physiological, mental, economic, cultural or social identity.
"Sensitive personal information" means personal information that reveals racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership and data concerning health or sex life.
"Anonymization" is changing personal information so it no longer can be assigned to a certain or ascertainable individual or can be only with a disproportionately high expenditure of time, money and work.
"Consent" is any freely given specific, informed indication that the individual agrees his or her personal information may be processed. Particular requirements of consent can arise from the respective national laws.
"Pseudonymization" replaces an individual's name and other identifiable characteristics with a label to prevent identification by unauthorized parties or to render such identification substantially difficult.
Contact Us
Clark County's website is governed by the policies and principles outlined above. For more information relating to your privacy, contact: