State
of Tennessee Web Site Privacy Statement
The privacy, confidence, and trust of individuals who visit
the Tennessee Department of State Web site are important to
us. No personal information is collected at this site unless
it is provided voluntarily by an individual while participating
in an activity that asks for the information. The following
paragraphs disclose the information gathering and usage practices
for the web site.
Collection of Information
The Department of State collects only the personal information
that is necessary to provide the information or services
requested by an individual. "Personal information"
refers to any information relating to an identified or identifiable
individual who is the subject of the information. This is
the same information that an individual might provide when
visiting a government office and includes such items as an
individual’s name, address, or phone number. We also
collect statistical information that helps us understand
how people are using the web site so we can continually improve
our services. The information collected is not associated
with any specific individual and no attempt is made to profile
individuals who browse the web site. You may be asked to
participate in surveys at this site. Participation is optional,
and the choice to participate or not to participate will
have no effect on your ability to use other features of the
site.
Use of Information
The Department of State uses the collected information to
respond appropriately to requests. This may be to respond
directly to you or to improve the web site. E-mail or other
information requests sent to the State web site may be maintained
or forwarded to the appropriate agencies in order to respond
to the request. Survey information is used for the purpose
designated in the survey.
Retention of Information
Personal information that is not submitted knowingly by users of this web site
is neither retained nor shared in any manner or for any purpose. Records needed
to support State program functions are retained, managed, and accessible in
record-keeping or filing systems in accordance with established records disposition
authorizations approved by the State’s Public Records Commission. Records
transmitted to this site will be identified, managed, protected, and retained
as long as they are needed to meet historical, administrative, fiscal, or legal
requirements.
Public Disclosure
Regardless of whether information is provided to the Department
of State by personal visit, mail, or web site, it becomes
public record and is open to public inspection unless protected
by State or Federal law. Public records are subject to the
rules and requirements located in Tennessee Code Annotated
Title 10 Chapter 7. A public record is defined as follows:
"Public record(s)" or "state record(s)"
means all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs,
microfilms, electronic data processing files and output,
films, sound recordings or other material, regardless of
physical form or characteristics made or received pursuant
to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction
of official business by any governmental agency. (T.C.A.
10-7-301 (6)) Based on the definition of public records,
be aware that any information collected at this site could
be made available to the public. Requests for public records
will be examined for compliance with public record laws.
Cookies
Any web page or application at this site that uses cookies
will identify itself as such. Cookies are short and simple
text files that are stored on a user’s computer hard
drive by Web sites. They are used to keep track of and store
information so the user does not have to supply the information
multiple times. The information that is collected through
cookies at this site is handled in the same manner as other
information collected here. You can configure your web browser
to refuse cookies or to notify you when a web site attempts
to send you a cookie. You can also check your hard drive
for cookie files and delete them from your computer.
Web Site Security
The Tennessee Department of State is committed to the security
of the information that is either available from or collected
by this web site. The Department of State has taken multiple
steps to safeguard the integrity of its telecommunications
and computing infrastructure, including but not limited to,
authentication, monitoring, auditing, and encryption.
Linking to the Department of
State Site
Permission to link to the Department of State site is not
required, but such links may not present state Web pages
within frames. In addition, be aware that the page you link
to may change without notice. Sites linking to Department
of State pages should periodically verify those links for
accuracy.
Links to Other Sites
This site has links to many other Web sites. These include
links to Web sites operated by other government agencies,
nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. These
links to outside sources are provided for the convenience
of our users, and their inclusion on our web site does not,
in any way, imply endorsement. The Department of State has
no responsibility for the content or maintenance of these
sites, and we suggest that you review the privacy statements
for these sites.
Accessibility Statement
The Department of State Web site is subject to the same accessible
Web standards as federal agencies. Section 508 of the Federal
Register establishes requirements for federal electronic
and information technology, and the federal Access Board
has issued the standards to meet those requirements.
We are committed to making our site accessible to all users and we have included
several features designed to improve accessibility for all users. We welcome
comments on how to improve the site's accessibility for users with disabilities.
If you use assistive technology and the format of any material prevents your
ability to access the information, please contact us by mail, phone, or e-mail
for assistance. In order to respond in a manner most helpful to you, please
note the nature of your accessibility concern, the preferred format in which
to receive the online material, the Web page address of the requested material,
and the best way to contact you.
Hard copy documents are available for those unable to access or view the downloadable
files on this Web site. Simply contact us by mail, phone, or e-mail to make
your request.
Contact Information
The Department of State welcomes comments regarding this
privacy statement or any other matters regarding use of this
web site. Please convey any questions or concerns to the webmaster.
