Privacy Statement

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Purpose

The State of North Dakota is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal data.  The purpose of this policy is to inform those accessing State websites about the collection and use of the personally identifiable information shared by users.

In today's digital age, the collection, use, and sharing of personal data has become increasingly widespread.  It is essential to secure this information, ensure information is handled responsibly with respect for individuals' privacy rights.

Scope

This privacy policy statement applies to all State executive branch agency websites.

Definition of Personally Identifiable Information

For the purposes of this policy, personally identifiable information (PII) means any information collected online that could serve to identify an individual, such as:

For further information please refer to the North Dakota Data Classification Policy and North Dakota Century Code:

Collection of Information

The following information may be collected automatically and retained through web searches or downloading information:

  • The Internet domain and Internet Protocol (IP) address of the computer.
  • The type of browser and operating system.
  • The date and time the site was accessed.
  • The various areas of the website visited.

The data collected serves as part of statistical analysis of the use of state web sites for or to allow for better design of online services and improved access to them.  The State of North Dakota does not attempt to gain personally identifiable information about individual users and associate it with IP addresses unless explicitly stated as part of a government agency service.  ND.gov uses server logs and persistent cookies to collect information about the number and types of visitors to ND.gov and how they use the website. The State of North Dakota does not use the information automatically collected to ascertain personally identifiable information.  No attempt is made to match this information with the identity of the visitor, except as is required to comply with a law enforcement investigation. The State of North Dakota may detect user IP addresses for providing location-based user information and services. The State of North Dakota does not maintain or collect user IP addresses or disclose such addresses to third parties.

Except where specified, visitors do not have to provide personally identifiable information to visit or download information from State of North Dakota web sites.  The State of North Dakota does not use or place spyware on computers. Some state agencies may request personally identifiable information to perform requested services.  For more information regarding the use of collected data for data analytical purposes, see section “Data Analytics”.

Security of Personal Information

The State of North Dakota uses HTTPS encryption to safeguard sensitive personal information as described in the section above titled “Definition of Personally Identifiable Information”.  Using this widely accepted form of encryption, data is secured in transit from personal computers or devices to ND.gov.  The ND.gov website is located behind a secure firewall.  For added security, credit card information is not stored on a state government database, and only authorized employees have access to credit card numbers for card processing purposes. The State of North Dakota implements requirements set forth by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) to protect cardholder data and sensitive authentication.

To ensure personal protection, never include credit card or other sensitive information in an e-mail.

Retention of Information

The information collected on this site is retained and disposed of in accordance with the State of North Dakota’s records retention schedules, publicly available here: Records Management - Record Series (nd.gov).  Records commonly used by all agencies are identified on the ND General Records Retention Schedule. All other records are found on department-specific retention schedules.

Wireless Terms and Conditions

When enrolled to receive wireless messages from the State of North Dakota, users agree to the following Terms & Conditions. To stop receiving messages, text STOP to 63468.

Most wireless service providers provide text messaging service. While there is no charge to sign up for wireless updates, wireless service providers may charge per message. Check with providers for details on potential additional costs.

Terms and Conditions

User Privacy: The State of North Dakota will not share nor use mobile numbers for any other purpose than for updates from the selected client.

User Fees: The State of North Dakota does not charge recipients to receive text messages. However, messaging and data rates may apply.

Opt-Out: To Opt-out (discontinue receiving messages from the State of North Dakota), reply STOP from mobile devices to 63468. A confirmation of the Opt-out by text will be sent. No additional messages from the State of North Dakota will be sent unless users Opt-in again.

Warranty: The State of North Dakota is not liable for any delays in the receipt of any SMS (Short Message Service) messages connected with this program. Delivery of SMS messages is subject to effective transmission from wireless service providers/network operators. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages

Departments: By opting into the service users could receive SMS messages from the following North Dakota state agencies:

  1. Department of Commerce
  2. Department of Environmental Quality
  3. Department of Health
  4. Department of Human Services
  5. Department of Public Instruction
  6. Department of Transportation
  7. Game and Fish Department
  8. Highway Patrol
  9. Housing Finance Agency
  10. North Dakota Information Technology
  11. Office of Management and Budget
  12. ND Public Employees Retirement System
  13. Securities Department
  14. North Dakota Veterans Home

Data Analytics

Google Analytics is used to help analyze how users interact with the site. This analytical tool uses cookies, which are text files placed on your computer, to collect standard internet log information and visitor behavior information in an anonymous form. The information generated by the cookie about the use of the website (including IP address) is transmitted to Google. This information is then used to evaluate visitor's use of the website and to compile statistical reports on website activity.

The State of North Dakota will not (and will not allow any third party) use the statistical analytics tool to track or to collect any personally identifiable information of visitors to the ND.gov website. Data gathered from this site will not be associated with any personally identifying information from any source as part of the use of the Google statistical analytics tool.

User Tracking and Customization of Pages

To better serve users, a variety of indicators are used to customize browsing experiences with this website, including "cookies." If browser settings are set to block all cookies in the settings to the web browser (such as Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome or Firefox), (including essential cookies) this could affect the availability and functionality of this website.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act

Children under the age of 13 are not eligible to use services that require submission of personal information and should not submit any personal information, including submitting personal information to the websites as part of a user profile or personalization profile.  A child under the age of 13, can use these services only if used together with a parent or guardian.  Seek guidance from a parent or guardian if under the age of 13.

Policy Changes

The State of North Dakota reserves the right to change the terms of this policy at any time.  The state encourages users to review this page periodically to stay informed of any updates.  Any modifications are effective immediately.