Information You Provide
Partner-tool queries
If you type a name, location, or other search term into a third-party search tool displayed on this site, the request is sent to the provider operating that tool. We do not store or log those search terms through our own site. The provider’s privacy notice and terms control its handling of the query.
Messages sent to us
When you send an email or another message through a site contact method, we may retain the message and the information included with it to respond and maintain correspondence. We do not share those messages outside our organization except when disclosure is required by law or a valid legal process.
Technical Data and Cookies
Like most websites, we and service providers may receive routine technical data when a browser loads a page. This helps us operate the site, diagnose problems, and understand general use patterns.
- Internet protocol address.
- Browser type and version.
- Device type and operating system.
- Pages viewed and the time spent on them.
- The referring website, when one is available.
- Date and time information associated with the visit.
Cookie choices
Cookies and similar technologies may be used to recognize browser activity and measure site use. You can block or remove cookies through browser settings. Some features or third-party tools may work differently if those settings prevent their cookies from operating.
How We Use Information
We use available information to maintain a usable, secure reference site and to understand whether its Portsmouth guides are working as intended.
- Operate, maintain, and improve site performance.
- Send a tool query to the partner selected by the visitor.
- Measure which informational pages visitors find useful.
- Identify, investigate, and correct technical issues.
- Support advertising that may be tailored to interests through a provider’s systems.
Other Sites and Advertising
Links may lead to official Portsmouth, Virginia, state, federal, court, or independent third-party websites. Once you leave this site, that destination’s privacy practices govern. For example, requests made through the City’s JustFOIA portal are handled by the City’s system, not by us.
Advertising partners may collect or use browser activity across websites to serve interest-based advertising on their own systems. We do not control their collection methods, their notices, or the ads they choose to show.
When Data May Be Shared
We do not sell personal data. Information may nevertheless be available to limited recipients when it is needed to provide a service, measure activity, present advertising, or meet a legal obligation.
- Search partners that process a query submitted to their tool.
- Analytics providers that help us understand technical and aggregate site use.
- Advertising networks involved in serving or measuring advertisements.
- Law enforcement or government bodies when a valid subpoena, court order, or other legal requirement applies.
Security Practices
We use reasonable administrative and technical measures designed to protect information in our control. No internet-connected service, transmission, or storage method can be promised to be completely secure, so we cannot guarantee that security safeguards will prevent every unauthorized event.
Adults-Only Site Use
This site is intended for adults and is not directed to people under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from a person under 18. If you believe a minor has sent us personal information, contact us so that we can review and remove it where appropriate.
Your Information Requests
You may ask about information we hold about you and request a response through the Contact Us page. Depending on the information and applicable law, you may request the following:
- A copy of personal information held by us.
- Correction of inaccurate personal information.
- Deletion of information where retention is not required.
- Opting out of particular processing where that option applies.
Virginia public records held by a City office are a separate matter governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and the City’s official request process. This notice does not alter the public-records access rules or any privacy right that may apply under Virginia law.
Changes to This Notice
We may revise this notice as the site or its services change. A revised version will be posted on this page with an updated effective date, and continued use after posting is subject to the revised notice.