Privacy Notice |
![]() ![]() Updated 08/03/2006Privacy NoticeIntroductionThank you for visiting the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s web site and reviewing our Internet Privacy notice. This notice addresses information that may be obtained by us through your use of our web site. This privacy policy applies only to information that is collected by the Agency online, and not to information that may be collected by the Agency offline. The following topics are covered:
Notice on Information Collected and How it is UsedInformation collected if you only browse this site:During your visit to our web site, if you do nothing more than browse, read pages, or download information, we actively collect no information about you.
What we collect if you volunteer informationIf you send us e-mail:
If you fill out a complaint, application, or registration form on this site:
Personal Information and ChoiceYou may choose whether to provide personal information on-line We collect no personal information about you unless you voluntarily provide it to us by sending us an e-mail or you provide it on a complaint, registration or application form . If you volunteer personal information, state law and the federal Privacy Act of 1974 may protect it. However, this information is a public record once you provide it, and if it is not protected by an exemption from the Public Disclosure Law, RCW 42.17(.250-348), or other state or federal law, it may be subject to public inspection and copying. You are always welcome to browse our site and you are not required to contact us by e-mail or submit complaints, applications or registrations online. Depending on the program, you may submit information by a variety of media either online, by mail, by fax or by telephone. You may contact the agency as shown in the Contact Information section of this notice to find out any specific program requirements. If you believe that your personal information is being used for a purpose other than what was intended when submitted, you may contact the Department of Agriculture as shown in the Contact Information section of this Notice. Public Access to InformationIn the State of Washington, laws exist to ensure that government is open and accessible to citizens. This means that 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 public policy objectives and needs, including the privacy of individuals. Exceptions are provided by both state and federal laws. All of the information collected at this site becomes a public record that may be subject to inspection and copying by members of the public, unless an exemption or other protection in the law exists. RCW 42.17.260 (recodified as RCW 42.56.070 pursuant to 2005 c 274 § 103, effective July 1, 2006) says: 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 (6) 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 Internet Privacy Notice and the Public Records Disclosure Act or other law governing the agency's disclosure of records, the Public Records Disclosure Act or other applicable law will control. For other specific exceptions from public disclosure provided for programs or information within the Department of Agriculture, contact the agency’s public disclosure officer:
Your Right to Review and Correct Personally Identifiable InformationState law requires agencies that collect personally identifiable information to provide "procedures for correcting inaccurate information, including establishing mechanisms for individuals to review information about them and to recommend changes in information they believe to be inaccurate." (RCW 43.105.310) For certain registration systems such as the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), you can set up a secure account that allows you to verify and correct your information. You can access any personally identifiable information we collect about you by using the Contact Information Section of this Notice. You may correct factual errors in your personally identifiable information by submitting an e-mail or written request that credibly shows the error. We will take reasonable steps to verify your identity before granting access or making corrections. Cookies and AppletsThis site does not currently use "cookies" nor does this site require any special "applets" or "plug-ins" to enhance the browsing experience. SecurityThe Washington State Department of Agriculture, as developer and manager of this web site, has taken several steps to safeguard the integrity of its data and prevent unauthorized access to information maintained by our agency. These measures are designed and intended to prevent corruption of data, block unknown or unauthorized access to our systems and information, and to provide reasonable protection of private information in our possession. External LinksThe Department of Agriculture’s web site contains links to other web sites. These include links to web sites operated by other government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private businesses. When you click on a link to another site you are no longer on the Department of Agriculture’s web site and this Internet Privacy Notice does not apply. When you click on a link to another web site you are subject to the privacy policy of that site. DisclaimerThis information should not be construed in any way as giving business, legal, or other advice, or warranting as fail proof the security of information provided via the Department of Agriculture’s web 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. Department of Agriculture reserves the right to revise and update this Privacy Notice at any time without notice by posting such revised Privacy Notice at the Department of Agriculture home page. Contact InformationTo review or request correction of your personal information, contact the agencys public disclosure officer:
You may contact the Department of Agriculture to offer comments about this web site or about the information presented in this Internet Privacy Notice. Privacy policy comments should be addressed to the agencys Webmaster:
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