Introduction

Welcome and thank you for visiting the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) website and reviewing our Privacy Notice. This statement addresses collection, use and security of and access to information that may be obtained through use of our site. 
This notice covers the following topics:

1. Information Collected and How it is Used
2. Personal Information and Choice
3. Public Access to Information
4. Review and Correction of Personal Information
5. Cookies 
6. Security
7. Disclaimer
8. Contact Information

Section A. Information Collected and How it is Used

If you do nothing during your visit to our web site but browse, read pages, or download information, we will gather and store certain information about your visit. This information does not identify you personally. We automatically collect and store the following information about your visit:

• The Internet Protocol Address and domain name used. The Internet Protocol address is a numerical identifier assigned either to your Internet service provider or directly to your computer. We use the Internet Protocol Address to direct Internet traffic to you. This address can be translated to determine the domain name of your service provider (e.g. xcompany.com or yourschool.edu).
• The type of browser and operating system you used.
• The date and time you visited this site.
• The web pages or services you accessed at this site; and
• The web site you visited prior to coming to this web site.

We only use information that is automatically collected or stored to learn how our web site is being used, so that we may continually improve the site's usefulness to the public.

What we collect if you volunteer information

If, during your visit to our website, you participate in a survey, send an email, or sign up for a mailing list, the following additional information will be collected:

• The email address and contents of the email;
• Information volunteered in response to a survey; and
• Information volunteered through an online form for any other purpose.

We will use your email to respond to you, to address issues you identify in your email, to further improve our website, and/or to forward the email to another agency for appropriate action.

Section B. Personal Information and Choice

You may choose whether to provide personal information on-line

"Personal information" is information about a natural person that is readily identifiable to that specific individual. Personal information includes such things as an individual's name, address, and phone number. A domain name or Internet Protocol (IP) address is not considered personal information.

We collect no personal information about you unless you voluntarily provide it to us by sending us email, participating in a survey, or completing an online form. If you choose not to participate in these activities, your choice will in no way effect your ability to use any other feature of the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) website.

If personal information is requested on the Web site, or volunteered by the user, state law and the federal Privacy Act of 1974 may protect it. However, this information is a public record once you provide it and may be subject to public inspection and copying if not protected by federal or state law.

If you believe that your private information is being used for a purpose other than what was intended when submitted, you may contact the WSHRC as shown in the Contact Information Section of this statement.

Users are cautioned that the collection of personal information requested or volunteered by minors online or by email will be treated the same as information given by an adult and may be subject to public access.

Section C. Public Access to Information

In Washington, laws exist to ensure government is open and the public has a right to access appropriate records and information possessed by state government. At the same time, there are exceptions to the public's right to access public records that serve various needs, including the privacy of individuals. Exceptions are provided by both state and federal laws.

All the information collected at this site becomes public records that may be subject to inspection and copying by members of the public unless an exemption in law exists. RCW 42.56.070(1) states:

“Each agency, in accordance with published rules, shall make available for public inspection and copying all public records, unless the record falls within the specific exemptions of subsection (8) of this section, this chapter, or other statute which exempts or prohibits disclosure of specific information or records. To the extent required to prevent an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy interests protected by this chapter, an agency shall delete identifying details in a manner consistent with this chapter when it makes available or publishes any public record; however, in each case, the justification for the deletion shall be explained fully in writing.” 

In the event of a conflict between this Privacy Notice and the Public Records Act or other law governing the agency's disclosure of records, the Public Records Act or other applicable law will control.

Section D. Review and Correction of Personal Information

You can review any personal information we collect about you by using the Contact Information section at the end of this Notice. You may recommend changes to your personal information you believe in error by submitting a written request that credibly shows the inaccuracy. If you believe that your personal information is being used for a purpose other than what was intended when submitted, you may contact us. In all cases, we will take reasonable steps to verify your identity before granting access or making corrections. (RCW 43.105.310)

Section E. Cookies

To better serve our users we are now using "cookies" to customize your browsing experience with the WSHRC website. Cookies are simple text files stored on your computer by your web browser. They provide a method of distinguishing among visitors to the WSHRC website.

Cookies created on your computer by using this web site do not contain personally identifying information and do not compromise your privacy or security. They generally contain a session identification number and information that the web application can use to complete its task. The cookie feature is used only to store a randomly generated identifying tag on your computer. You can refuse the cookie or delete the cookie file from your computer. 

Section F. Security

The WSHRC has taken steps to safeguard the integrity of its data and prevent unauthorized access to information we maintain. These measures are designed and intended to prevent corruption of data, block unknown or unauthorized access to our systems and information and provide reasonable protection of private information in our possession.

This information should not be construed in any way such as giving business, legal, or other advice, or warranting as fail proof the security of information provided via the WSHRC web sites, or sites to which they link.

Section G. Disclaimer

The Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) website has many links to other websites. These include links to websites operated by other government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses. When you link to another site, you are no longer on the WSHRC website, and this Privacy Notice will not apply. When you link to another website, you are subject to the privacy policy of that new site.

Neither the State of Washington, nor any agency, officer, or employee of the State of Washington warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information published by this system, nor endorses any content, viewpoints, products, or services linked from this system, and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Portions of such information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this system does so at their own risk.

The WSHRC reserves the right to revise and update this privacy notice at any time by posting such revised privacy notice on its website.

Section H. Contact Information 

To access your personally identifiable information we collect, if any, or request correction of factual errors in your personally identifiable information, please contact us: Contact Us