City of Charleston, SC Privacy Policy

The City of Charleston is committed to protecting the privacy of our website and app users. Our goal is to provide a secure, user-friendly, and personalized digital experience that delivers relevant information, resources, and services to our community.

Information Collection and Use
To enhance your experience and improve our services, the City of Charleston may collect certain information when you interact with our website or mobile applications. This information is used solely for internal purposes to better understand user needs and optimize our digital platforms.

Types of Data Collected
Log Data: When you visit our website or use our apps, we collect basic information sent by your browser or device, known as Log Data. This may include:
· Your computer’s Internet Protocol (IP) address
· Browser type and version
· Device type and version
· Pages or content visited
· Date and time of your visit
· Time spent on specific pages
· Other statistical data

Usage Statistics: We collect aggregated data to track the number of devices accessing our platforms, the most frequently visited pages, and the most common times of use. This helps us understand what information is most valuable to our users and how we can improve access to it.

Purpose of Data Collection
The data we collect is used to:
· Analyze website and app usage patterns to improve content and functionality
· Deliver services and information tailored to user interests
· Enhance the overall user experience on our digital platforms

Data Sharing and Disclosure
The City of Charleston does not share, sell, or disclose your information to third parties unless required by law. All collected data is used exclusively for internal purposes to improve our services and is handled in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION THAT MAY BE SUBJECT TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE
In South Carolina, laws exist to ensure that government is open and that the public has a right to access appropriate records and information possessed by a government agency. At the same time, there are exceptions to the public's right to access certain records in order to preserve the privacy of individuals. Such exemptions are authorized by both state and federal laws. Information collected by the City, like information collected during an in-person visit to a government office, may be subject to inspection and copying by the public, unless such an exemption in law exists. In the event that there is a conflict between this Privacy Statement and a state or federal law governing the disclosure of public records, the applicable state or federal law shall control.
Email messages will be treated the same as any other written communication and may be subject to public inspection or legal disclosure. Email transmissions are generally unsecured. The City cannot protect or ensure the privacy of information contained in unsecured email transmissions. Do not include confidential or personal information such as Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, bank account information, credit card information or medical information in email communications sent to the City.

Data Protection
We take reasonable measures to protect the information we collect and ensure it is stored securely. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
The Family Privacy Protection Act of 2002 prohibits persons or private entities from using personal information obtained from a local government for commercial solicitation purposes. A person knowingly violating this prohibition is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to the penalties specified in S.C. Code Ann. Section 30-2-50(D).
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA), 15 U.S.C. § 6501, et seq.: Our website is not geared towards children under 13 years of age. Younger visitors should always check with their parents or guardians before entering information on any website, and we encourage families to discuss their household guidelines regarding the online sharing of personal information.

Third-Party Links
Our website or apps may contain links to external sites not operated by the City of Charleston. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We may use cookies or similar technologies to collect Log Data and improve your experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us understand how you interact with our platforms. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about our Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Name: Deja Knight McMillan, Chief Communications Officer
Phone: (843) 579-7531
Email: Comms@charleston-sc.gov

Changes to This Privacy Policy
The City of Charleston may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements.

Our app uses Health Connect data exclusively for core health and fitness features, specifically fitness tracking, activity insights, and workout history.

“Health & Fitness: fitness tracking and workout insights.” Data Accessed

We do not access heart rate, sleep data, body measurements, or any sensitive health/medical data.

Source of Data
All workout data is obtained only from Google Health Connect on Android devices.

Any data from third-party apps or wearables appears only after it syncs to Health Connect.

We do not use this data for advertising, profiling, or sharing with third parties.

Sensitive health data.
We collect any personal health data you provide to us when registering and signing up for our health services.
We collect this information to ensure we are offering you the right services and so your progress can be tracked by yourself and us. We may ask you for information about your health in order to recommend appropriate exercise regimes or offer our other services.