Lake County Indiana Government Websites - Privacy Policy
Introduction
The Lake County Indiana Government ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of our website visitors. This Privacy Policy describes our online data collection, usage policies, and practices for the Lake County Indiana Government websites (collectively "LC Websites," including but not limited to lakecountyin.gov, reserve.lakecountyin.gov, health.lakecountyin.gov, ijuror.lakecountyin.rog, permits.lakecountyin.gov, clerk.lakecountyin.gov, and auditor.lakecountyin.gov).
By accessing or registering as a user of the LC Websites, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this Privacy Policy and consent to the practices described herein.
Scope
This Privacy Policy applies solely to information gathered through the LC Websites. While our websites may contain links to other websites, we have no control over and are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any linked websites to understand how they collect, use, and share information.
International Data Transfer
Our data is stored and processed in the United States. If you access the LC Websites from another country, your use of this site constitutes consent to the transfer of your data to the United States.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect:
- Name and contact information (address, email, telephone number)
- Government-issued identification numbers (driver's license, social security number)
- Billing information, including credit card numbers
- Account credentials
- Other information you choose to provide
Automatically Collected Information
We gather information about:
- Your device and browser (IP address, browser type, hardware/software information)
- Your website usage (visited areas, accessed services)
- Access times and referring website addresses
- Demographics (ZIP code, age, preferences, gender)
Public Areas
Information you post in public areas (such as forums, boards, or chat rooms) may be collected and used by others. We are not responsible for how third parties may use information you voluntarily post in public areas.
How We Use Your Information
We use collected information to:
- Facilitate and improve your website experience
- Process transactions and provide requested services
- Communicate with you about your account and activities
- Send you important updates and notifications
- Provide optional newsletters and information about events
- Analyze and enhance our services
- Respond to your feedback and inquiries
Information Retention
We retain your information to make your repeat visits more efficient. You may:
- Update your account profile at any time
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Close your account
When you close your account, we will remove all accessible copies of your information, maintaining only an archived copy for record-keeping purposes that is not accessible online.
Information Disclosure
We will only share your personal information in the following circumstances:
1. With service providers who help us operate our websites and services, including:
- Web hosting providers
- Data analytics services
- Payment processors
- Customer service providers
These providers may only use your information to perform their specified functions.
2. When legally required:
- To comply with legal obligations or legal process
- To protect our rights or property
- To prevent crime or protect national security
- To protect the safety of users or the public
Cookies and Similar Technologies
How We Use Cookies
We use cookies to:
- Personalize your experience
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Maintain your session information
- Track website usage patterns
- Improve website performance
Cookie Management
- Most browsers accept cookies by default
- You can modify your browser settings to:
- Decline all cookies
- Notify you when cookies are offered
- Accept/decline cookies individually
- Declining cookies may impact website functionality
Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information. However, no internet transmission is completely secure. We cannot guarantee that unauthorized access, hacking, data loss, or other breaches will never occur.
Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page. Continued use of our websites after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Policy.
Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices:
- Email: webmaster@lakecountyin.org
If you believe we have not adhered to this Policy, please contact us at the email address above. We will make reasonable efforts to investigate and address your concerns.
Last Updated: 11/12/2024