Privacy Policy
Effective Date: [2025-10-12]
Thank you for visiting the website of Harris County, Texas ("the Website"). We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information while providing an informative and efficient online experience. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect information when you visit our Website.
By accessing or using the Website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the practices described in this policy, please refrain from using our Website.
Information We Collect
When you visit our Website, we may collect certain types of information to improve user experience and optimize the functionality of the site. The data we collect may include the following:
Usage Data
We may collect information about how you interact with our Website, such as your IP address, browser type, device information, and pages you visit. This information helps us understand user behavior and optimize our services for better performance and usability.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
Our Website uses cookies and similar technologies (e.g., web beacons, pixels) to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small files stored on your device that help the Website remember your preferences and improve your navigation experience. You may choose to disable cookies in your browser settings; however, doing so may affect the functionality of the Website.
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc., to gather anonymous information about how visitors use the Website. Google Analytics collects data such as browser type, device information, and pages visited, which helps us analyze Website traffic and improve our services. Google Analytics may use cookies to collect this data. For more information on how Google handles your data, you can refer to Google's privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy.
Ad Services
Our Website uses Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google AdSense uses cookies and web beacons to collect data about your browsing activities across different websites in order to serve more relevant ads to you. This data is used for the purpose of personalizing advertisements based on your interests. You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google's Ad Settings.
How We Use the Information
The information we collect is used in several ways to provide and improve our services:
Website Optimization
The data helps us monitor the performance of the Website, detect technical issues, and enhance the overall user experience. We analyze traffic patterns to ensure that our Website is functioning as intended and is easily accessible.
Content Customization
By collecting anonymous data on how you interact with our Website, we can tailor content and services to suit your preferences and provide more relevant information to you.
Advertising and Marketing
We may use the collected data to deliver advertisements that may be of interest to you. This helps us maintain the sustainability of the Website and continue providing free public services.
Legal Compliance
In certain circumstances, we may be required to disclose information to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or legal processes, such as a subpoena or court order.
Third-Party Services
The Website may use third-party services to provide certain functionalities, such as Google Analytics and Google AdSense, as mentioned above. These third-party services may collect information about your activities on the Website and across other websites. Harris County, Texas does not control the privacy practices of third-party services, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies for more information.
Information Sharing and Disclosure
Harris County, Texas is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your information. We do not share, sell, or trade your personal information with third parties, except as outlined in this Privacy Policy. We may disclose information to the following:
Service Providers
We may share information with third-party service providers who assist in the operation and maintenance of the Website. These providers are contractually obligated to keep the information confidential and use it only for the purposes for which it was provided.
Legal Requirements
In some cases, we may be required to disclose personal or non-personal information in response to lawful requests by public authorities, including to meet national security or law enforcement requirements.
Advertising Partners
If you interact with ads on the Website, we may share anonymous usage data with our advertising partners to ensure that ads are relevant and tailored to your interests.
Data Security
Harris County, Texas takes the security of your information seriously. We implement a variety of technical, administrative, and physical security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction of data. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
External Links
The Website may contain links to external websites that are not operated by Harris County, Texas. 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 third-party websites you visit.
Children’s Privacy
The Website is not intended for use by children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete the information as quickly as possible.
Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to:
Access and Correct Your Information
While the Website does not require registration or collection of personal data, you may still access and correct any information you have voluntarily provided to third-party services (such as Google Analytics or Google AdSense).
Opt-Out of Advertising
You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ad Settings.
Cookie Preferences
You can control the use of cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when a cookie is being sent. However, please note that blocking cookies may impact the functionality of the Website.
Updates to This Privacy Policy
Harris County, Texas reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. When we make changes, the updated Privacy Policy will be posted on the Website with a revised "Effective Date." We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our practices, please contact us through the contact information available on the Harris County, Texas Website. We will make every effort to address your inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
By using the Website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.