Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
2.6.1 Privacy and Security
Among all the municipalities evaluated, Berlin is doing an excellent job in privacy
and security. A privacy policy (Figure 2.3) is available at the bottom of the home-
page, providing detailed information as to what kind of data are collected, used,
and protected through the website. The policy covers 12 elements, including col-
lection and processing of personal data; cookies; security; disclosure of personal
data to third parties; social plugins; Google analytics; a privacy statement for using
the scalable central measuring procedure; advertising; other data processing; links
to other websites; changes to privacy statement; and questions, comments, and
information. These parts compose a comprehensive statement, enabling users to
clearly understand the level of protection of their privacy and security when using
this website.
In the section on collection and processing personal data, the policy explic-
itly addresses name, data of birth, address, payment method, and payment data;
other kinds of data such as personal interest, telephone number, gender, and others,
are collected when registration is required for certain services or fee-based services
(website links). As to cookies, the policy explains what cookies are and how Berlin
uses cookies. It also teaches users how to disable or block cookies if they want to.
The policy also discusses how Berlin stores users' data and these data's safety.
The disclosure of personal data to third parties, as Figure 2.4 shows, is clearly
stated. With more and more people using social media, such as Facebook, Twitter,
and Google+, Berlin offers users additional services. Within this policy, a section
termed “Social Plugins” explains how social media work through Berlin's website
and how users' data are collected. Also, Google Analytics and use of the Scalable
Figure 2.3
Privacy policy in Berlin official website.
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