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Privacy Policy

Website Privacy Statement on the Collection and Use of Information Gathered from the General Public

We maintain the State of Tomorrow™ website as a public service. The following statement applies only to members of the general public and is intended to address concerns about the types of information gathered from the public and how that information is used.

The information we collect may be subject to public disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code).

I. Information Collected and Stored Automatically

Cookies

A "cookie" is a small file containing information that is placed on a user's computer by a web server. Typically, these files are used to enhance the user's experience of the site, to help users move between pages in a database, or to customize information for a user. Our servers do not store personally identifiable information in cookies from pages intended for use by the general public.

Information stored in cookies by our web servers is used for internal purposes only. It is not used in any way that would disclose personally identifiable information to outside parties unless we are legally required to do so.

Logs and Network Monitoring

We maintain log files of all access to the State of Tomorrow™ website and also monitor network traffic for the purposes of site management and security. This information is used to help diagnose problems with the server and to carry out other administrative tasks. Log analysis tools are also used to create summary statistics to determine which information is of most interest to users, to identify system problem areas, or to help determine technical requirements.

The following information is collected in these files:

  1. Hostname
    the hostname, site name, username, and IP address of the computer requesting access to the site.
  2. User-Agent
    the type of browser, its version, and the operating system of the computer requesting access (e.g., Netscape 4 for Windows, IE 4 for Macintosh, etc.)
  3. Referrer
    the web page the user came from.
  4. System date
    the date and time on the server at the time of access.
  5. Full request
    the exact request the user made.
  6. Status
    the status code the server returned, e.g., fulfilled request, file not found.
  7. Content length
    the size, in bytes, of the file sent to the user.
  8. Method
    the request method used by the browser (e.g., post, get.)
  9. Universal Resource Identifier (URI)
    the location of the particular resource requested. (More commonly known as a URL.)
  10. Query string of the URI
    anything after a question mark in a URI. For example, if a keyword search has been requested, the search word will appear in the query string.
  11. Protocol
    the technical protocol and version used, i.e., http 1.0, ftp, etc.

The above information is not used in any way that would reveal personally identifying information to outside parties unless we are legally required to do so. Web server logs are scheduled for regular destruction in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

II. Information Collected by Email and Forms

We collect the e-mail address of those individuals who communicate with us via e-mail or who give us their e-mail address. We collect information that is voluntarily or automatically provided by those individuals who communicate with us via e-mail, who open and interact with our e-mails by, for example, following embedded links or who submit forms embedded in the e-mail or linked to our website.

If a member of the general public sends us an e-mail message or fills out an e-mail or web-based form with a question or comment that contains personally identifying information, that information will only be used for the purposes for which the form is intended, to respond to the question or comment, and to analyze trends. The message or form and your name, email address, and other personally identifying information provided by you may be redirected or released to the parties involved in the creation, promotion, or distribution of the State of Tomorrow™ television series or any other person or entity providing information through the website or otherwise supporting the website who would be better able to respond to the question or comment. Furthermore, by submitting a question or comment via the State of Tomorrow™ website or otherwise you specifically authorize us, at our discretion, to post on the State of Tomorrow ™ website (a) that question or comment (in whole or in part), (b) your name, email address, and other personally identifying information provided by you, and (c) any response to your question or comment, so that such information may be viewed and commented on or responded to by the users of the State of Tomorrow™ Website. We do not market such information. Except as otherwise provided above, we do not use such information in any way that would reveal personally identifying information to outside parties unless we are legally required to do so. By using the State of Tomorrow™ website, you affirmatively consent to our use and distribution of your email address and any information we receive from you by email, web-based form, or otherwise in accordance with the terms of this paragraph. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, no person under the age of thirteen may submit comments or questions, request services, or provide any information (including personally identifying information) to us using the State of Tomorrow™ website or otherwise.

III. Notice About Information Laws and Practices

With few exceptions, you are entitled on your request to be informed about the information we collect about you. Under Sections 552.021 and 552.023 of the Texas Government Code, you are entitled to receive and review the information. Under Section 559.004 of the Texas Government Code, you are entitled to have us correct information about you that is held by us and that is incorrect, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Business Procedures Memorandum 32.

The information that we collect will be retained and maintained as required by Texas records retention laws (Section 441.180 et seq. of the Texas Government Code) and rules. Different types of information are kept for different periods of time.

IV. Links

This site contains links to other sites outside of our control. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such websites.

V. Security

This site has security measures in place to protect from loss, misuse and alteration of the information under our control.

Contact

If there are any questions about this privacy statement, the practices of this site, or dealings with this website, contact: stateoftomorrow@utsystem.edu.