Town of Putnam Valley Website Privacy Policy
Introduction
Thank you for visiting the Town of Putnam Valley website. This website is designed to make it easier and more efficient for residents, visitors, and businesses to interact with the Town of Putnam Valley and access public information and services.
The Town of Putnam Valley recognizes that it is critical for individuals to be confident that their privacy is protected when visiting a government website. Consistent with the provisions of the New York State Internet Security and Privacy Act, the Freedom of Information Law, and the Personal Privacy Protection Law, this policy describes the Town’s privacy practices regarding information collected from users of this website.
This privacy policy applies solely to the Town of Putnam Valley website. Users should review the privacy policies of any external websites accessed through links provided on this site.
For purposes of this policy, “personal information” means any information concerning a natural person which, because of name, number, symbol, mark, or other identifier, can be used to identify that person.
Information Collected Automatically When You Visit This Website
When you visit the Town of Putnam Valley website, certain information may be collected automatically by the website’s hosting environment. This information may include:
- The Internet Protocol (IP) address and domain name used to access the website
- The type of browser and operating system used
- The date and time of access
- The pages or services accessed
- The website visited prior to arriving at this website
- The website visited after leaving this website
- Whether a document or form was downloaded
This information does not constitute personal information and is collected for operational and security purposes only.
The Town uses this information solely to:
- Maintain and improve website performance
- Monitor website usage trends
- Ensure the security and integrity of the website
This information is not collected for commercial marketing purposes, and the Town of Putnam Valley does not sell or disclose this information for marketing or advertising.
Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your web browser.
The Town of Putnam Valley website may use session cookies to support basic website functionality. Session cookies do not contain personal information and are automatically deleted when you close your browser.
The Town does not use cookies to track users across websites, build personal profiles, or collect personal information for marketing purposes.
You may configure your browser to refuse or delete cookies; however, doing so may limit certain website features.
Information Collected When You Contact the Town or Initiate an Online Transaction
During your visit to this website, you may choose to voluntarily provide information by:
- Sending an email to a Town department
- Submitting an online form
- Participating in a survey or registration
- Requesting services or information
The information collected may include your email address and any information you choose to provide in your message or submission. This information is used solely to:
- Respond to your inquiry
- Process your request
- Provide Town services or information
- Forward your request to the appropriate Town department
Information submitted is not collected for commercial purposes and is not sold or disclosed for marketing.
Children’s Information
The Town of Putnam Valley does not knowingly collect personal information from children through this website or create online profiles of children.
Users should be aware that information voluntarily submitted via email or online forms may be subject to public access under applicable federal and state laws, unless specifically exempt.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to guide children when using the internet and submitting information online.
Information and Choice
You are not required to provide personal information to browse this website or access publicly available content.
You may choose not to submit information through email or online forms. Choosing not to do so may limit the Town’s ability to respond electronically but will not prevent you from accessing services through other means, such as in person, by mail, or by telephone.
Disclosure of Information Collected Through This Website
The collection and disclosure of information through this website are subject to the New York State Internet Security and Privacy Act, the Freedom of Information Law, and the Personal Privacy Protection Law.
The Town of Putnam Valley will collect or disclose personal information only:
- With user consent
- As necessary to perform Town functions authorized by law
- As required by statute, regulation, or court order
- To validate the identity of a user
- For statistical purposes in a form that does not identify individuals
Information may also be disclosed to law enforcement authorities as necessary to protect the Town’s information technology systems and prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
Retention of Information
Information collected through this website is retained in accordance with applicable New York State records retention and disposition schedules.
Information submitted via email or online forms is retained in accordance with the retention schedule applicable to the Town department responsible for the record.
Confidentiality and Security
The Town of Putnam Valley is committed to protecting the confidentiality and integrity of information collected through this website.
Access to personal information is limited to authorized personnel who require access to perform their official duties. The Town employs reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information against unauthorized access, disclosure, or alteration.
For security purposes, the Town may use software tools to monitor website traffic and identify unauthorized attempts to modify or damage the website.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this privacy policy should not be construed as legal or business advice, nor as a guarantee that the security of information transmitted through this website is failproof.
Links to Other Websites
This website may contain links to websites operated by other local, state, or federal government agencies or third-party organizations.
A link does not constitute an endorsement of the content, policies, or practices of the linked website. Once you leave the Town of Putnam Valley website, you are subject to the privacy policy and terms of use of the destination website.
