OIL AND GAS COMMISSION > PRIVACY POLICY
PRIVACY STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Introduction
The government of BC is committed to protecting
the privacy of people whose personal information is held by government
through responsible information management practices. Any personal
information provided to the Government of BC is collected, used
and disclosed in accordance with the Freedom
of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP Act)
or other applicable legislation.
What is Personal Information?
Personal information is recorded information
about an identifiable individual. Personal information includes
such things as an individual's name, address, birth date, e-mail
address and phone number. When the Government of BC collects personal
information it must identify:
- the purpose for collecting the personal information,
- the legal authority for collecting it, and
- the title, business address and business telephone number of
an officer or employee of the ministry or other government body
who can answer your questions about the collection of that information.
What kind of information
is being collected?
Information Automatically Collected
If you visit a government web site to browse, read pages, or download
information, we will gather and store certain information about
the visit. The following information is automatically collected
and stored:
- The Internet Protocol Address and domain name
used. The Internet Protocol address is a numerical identifier
assigned either to your Internet service provider or directly
to your computer. This address can be translated to determine
the domain name of your service provider (e.g. gov.bc.ca, xcompany.com
or yourschool.edu);
- The type of browser and operating system;
- The date and time of the visit; and
- The web pages or services accessed.
Information collected automatically is used
for purposes such as assessing system performance, improving web
services and web site management. The Government of BC does not
use this data to determine your identity unless required to do so
as part of an internal investigation or other law enforcement purpose.
Information Collected Directly From You
Personal information is collected, used, disclosed
and retained by a government website is done so under the authority
of the Freedom
of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or other relevant
legislation. Personal information will only be used by authorized
staff to fulfill the purpose for which it was originally collected,
or for a use consistent with that purpose unless you expressly consent
otherwise. We do not disclose your information to other public bodies
or individuals except as authorized by the FOIPP Act.
The BC Government does not collect personal
information about you unless you voluntarily provide it to use specific
online services. However, if you choose not to provide the information
required for online services you may still be able to access government
services by traditional methods such as personal contact, fax or
mail. Your decision not to participate in electronic service delivery
activities will not impair your ability to browse the web site,
read or download any information provided on the site.
If you believe that your personal information
is being used for a purpose other than what was intended please
direct your inquiries to the following contacts.
What safeguards are
in place?
The Government of BC is obligated to protect
your personal information by making reasonable security arrangements
against such risks as unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure
or disposal. Security measures have been integrated into the design,
implementation and day-to-day operating practices as part of government's
continuing commitment to the protection of personal information
it holds.
How long is information
retained?
The length of retention will vary in relation
to the nature of the service. If the Government of BC uses your
personal information to make a decision that directly affects you,
it must retain that information for at least one year so that you
have a reasonable opportunity to obtain access to it. Information
collected or created by the Government of BC is maintained in accordance
with government’s
records retention schedules and other legislative requirements.
How can I access and
correct information I submit to a web site?
You can review any personal information collected
about you by submitting a FOI request. You may request changes or
annotate your personal information if you believe it to be inaccurate
by submitting a written request describing the error. Please contact
the Ministry or other government body holding your personal information.
The Corporate Privacy and Information Access Branch (CPIAB) may
be contacted for general information.
Links to other sites
Visitors should be aware that Government of
BC web sites may include links to web sites operated by other government
agencies, non-profit organizations and private businesses. When
you link to another site, this Privacy Policy will not apply, however,
you may be subject to the Privacy Policy of that new site, if one
exists. The Government of BC is not responsible for the privacy
practices or content of external websites.
Cookies
A Cookie is a small file stored on your computer
by your web browser when using some internet sites. Cookies can
also store personal information such as your name, e-mail address,
home or work address, or telephone number. Persistent Cookies
can use this type of personal information to identify you whenever
you access a web site. Sessional Cookies are used to help you move
around our web site and do not store personal information. Sessional
cookies are valid only during the time you are actually using
the web site.
The Government of BC does not use Persistent
Cookies (which may store personal information) but may use Sessional
Cookies (which do not store personal information).
Who to contact for more
information about this privacy policy.
Any questions regarding this privacy policy,
or for general information regarding the FOIPP Act, can be directed
to the Corporate
Privacy and Information Access Branch.
If you have a complaint or concern about your
personal information please contact the
Ministry or other government body. If your complaint is not
resolved to your satisfaction the FOIPP Act provides a mechanism
for independent review by contacting the Information
and Privacy Commissioner.
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