South Dakota welcomes millions of visitors each year, drawn to its stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks. As you plan your safe travels across the Mount Rushmore State, understanding how your online privacy is handled is an important aspect of ensuring a worry-free trip. This article outlines the privacy practices of State of South Dakota websites, focusing on how your information is protected while you explore online resources for your South Dakota adventure.
When you visit official State of South Dakota websites, you can be assured that your personal information is respected. Similar to visiting a government office in person, any information collected online is done so to enhance your experience and provide you with the services you request. This means that unless you voluntarily provide information for a specific online activity, such as signing up for travel alerts or using interactive maps, no personal data is automatically gathered. “Personal information” in this context includes details you might typically share, like your name, address, or phone number, all aimed at facilitating your interaction with state services.
The state also gathers non-personal data to analyze website usage patterns. This helps improve website functionality and user experience for future visitors planning their safe travels in South Dakota. This collected data is entirely anonymous and is not used to identify or create profiles of individual users browsing state websites. The focus is purely on enhancing the overall digital experience for everyone accessing South Dakota online resources.
Any information you do provide voluntarily is used solely to respond to your requests effectively. For instance, if you send an email inquiry about travel conditions, your email may be forwarded to the relevant state agency to provide you with the necessary information. Similarly, data collected through online surveys is used strictly for the stated purpose of that survey, such as gathering feedback on visitor experiences. All records, whether informational or transactional, are managed according to the State’s Public Records Commission, ensuring they are retained, protected, and accessible as long as needed to meet legal, administrative, historical, or fiscal requirements.
State websites may also employ cookies, small text files stored on your computer, to improve your browsing experience. Cookies help remember your preferences and settings, so you don’t have to re-enter the same information repeatedly. Information gathered through cookies is treated with the same privacy considerations as any other data collected through state-operated websites, ensuring your online interactions remain secure and private.
The State of South Dakota prioritizes the security of all information available on or collected by state agency websites. Continuous efforts are made to safeguard the integrity of its digital infrastructure, employing measures such as authentication, continuous monitoring, regular auditing, and data encryption. These security protocols are in place to ensure your digital interactions with South Dakota state websites are safe and protected, contributing to your overall safe travel experience in the state.
Location Services and Safe Navigation with SD511
For travelers relying on real-time information for safe navigation, the South Dakota 511 (SD511) website and mobile application utilize location services to provide up-to-date travel information. When planning routes, SD511 uses your location to determine start and end points, offering efficient directions. The mobile application also uses your location to center the map and provide the “look ahead” feature, verbally announcing any events, traffic issues, or construction along your route. Importantly, you retain full control over location services through your browser and mobile settings, allowing you to manage your privacy preferences. The SD511 website does not collect or store any active route information, ensuring your navigational data remains private and is used solely to enhance your immediate travel safety and awareness on South Dakota roads.
