Introduction
The City of Boston is committed to providing web users with convenient and secure e-government services. Thus, we are very dedicated to protecting the privacy of our visitors. The following information will explain why information is collected when you visit the site, how that information is used and if it is shared with any third parties.

Data Collection
The City of Boston does collect information about visitors to the site. This information is used for analytical and statistical purposes to help better manage the site. Information that is collected includes the date and the type of browser being used. We use this information to learn how many visitors we have, where they are coming from, which parts of our website are of most interest to users and other facts that will help us improve the website and the services we offer.

• Use of Cookies
  The City of Boston uses cookies that are pieces of information generated by our web server and stored on the end user's computer for future access. The City does not store any user's personal identifying information (such as name, address etc...) but keeps track of actions taken on the site such as whether the restaurant disclaimer has been read in the Mayor's Food Court application. This helps us to avoid presenting repetitive information to users before they access the various e-information applications on City's website. We believe that this use of cookies does not compromise the users privacy and security. At any time, users have the capability to turn off the cookies using their browser settings.
  
  
• Sending of E-mail
  If you send us an electronic mail message, either through your mail program or by using one of the online Contact forms, we will only use the personally identifying information to respond to the request. We may direct your message to another government agency that can help in fulfilling your request. This personally identifying information will not be shared with any third party or other governmental agencies not directly handling your request.
  
  
• On-line Transactions
  Every effort is made to protect any sensitive personal information you give online. This site uses a secure server for conducting online financial transactions. All credit cards and other payment information that you transmit will be protected by encryption technology, provided that your browser is properly configured and your computer is operating properly. The encrypted information is shared only with our bank and a credit card clearinghouse, both of which also operate secured servers. Access to these records is limited to a very small number of employees who need it in order to perform a specific job.
  
  

On-line Newsletters
The City currently maintains an several online newsletters to informs users about happenings in City government. These are "opt-in" newsletters, meaning that users must indicate their interest by signing up for the newsletter and providing their e-mail address. Should any user wish to be "unsubscribed" at any time, this option is sent out at the bottom of each newsletter. Additional newsletters may be established, all will be operated on an "opt-in" policy. Invitations to join the newsletters may be generated from e-mails sent to the City.

SMS (Text) Messages
The City of Boston may periodically offer SMS alerts. By signing up to receive these alerts, subscribers acknowledge that SMS message charges may apply depending on their individual mobile carrier and plan.

Sale of Data from the Web Site
The City will not rent, sell or give away any personally identifying information entered into the website (name, address, phone number, etc...) to third parties for marketing or mailing list purposes without your permission. We will also not disclose credit card information, except for purposes related to your transaction or as required by law.

Links to Other Web Sites
This site provides links to other governmental websites including those run by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Federal Government and various state authorities including MassPort and the MWRA. This privacy policy applies only to the CityofBoston.gov and to the third-party sites that provide Internet-related services for the City under contract. All links are reviewed for appropriateness prior to being included. Non-governmental links are generally not included in the site. Exceptions to this linking policy can be made by the MIS Department when it is determined by the CIO that a public need exists. Such examples could include citywide events or public-private partnerships that impact city programs.

Disclosure to third parties
As a governmental agency, the Public Records Law, M.G.L. c. 66, sec. 10 governs our activities. Any information received through use of the site is subject to the same provisions as information provided on paper. Otherwise we do not share any personally identifying information with any third party. For a more complete discussion of the implications of the Public Records Law, please refer to Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Secretary of State's Office that include FAQs as well as the text of the statute.

Children
BostonYouthZone.com is an adjunct site to the CityofBoston.gov and attracts many young users due to its ability to provide information about youth services and programs. It also publishes web content from Boston youth in approved after-school or summer programs. This site in its entirety conforms to the Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA) of 1998. In an effort to reach our youth constituency, users can become members of the site that entitles them to receive e-mail and early notification of events or programs of interest to them. There are no message boards, chat rooms or the ability for youth to interact with each other. The membership will only be used to inform users of events, programs and activities of interest to them. In addition, all the privacy protections provided under the CityofBoston.gov apply to the BostonYouthZone.com site.

Security
For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users, the City employs commercial software designed to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information on this service are strictly prohibited and may be punishable by law.