Information Practices
Owensboro Municipal Utilities (“OMU” or “we”) understands that privacy and data security are important issues to our program users. We recognize our obligation to keep your information secure and confidential. The scope of this privacy policy (the “SMS Privacy Policy”) applies to the OMU SMS (Text) Messaging Alert Service. We may modify this SMS Privacy Policy at any time, and, accordingly, we urge you to frequently review it and check for updates. By subscribing to/opting-in to the OMU SMS (Text) Messaging Alert Service, you are providing us with personally identifiable information, and you consent to our use of such information as described in this Policy.
What Information Do We Collect?
We will collect your mobile phone number and other personally identifiable information that you voluntarily provide to us (“Personal Information”) in order to participate in OMU SMS (Text) Messaging Alert Service. You may refuse to provide your Personal Information, but this could lead to your inability to participate in the OMU SMS (Text) Messaging Alert Service.
Mobile devices may collect different information than what is collected by computers used to access our website. When connecting to our website using a mobile device that provides Internet access, if the mobile device service provider uniquely identifies the device, OMU will receive this information. OMU may use this unique mobile device identification information to offer extended services and/or functionality. Certain OMU services may require collection of the telephone number for your device. OMU may associate that telephone number with the mobile device identification information.
Some mobile phone service providers in the United States are required to operate a system that will pinpoint the physical location of devices that use their service. Depending on the provider, OMU may automatically receive such location information. OMU (or its service providers) may use and store this information to provide enhanced location-based services.
How is Your Information Used and Shared?
Personal Information is collected in order to participate in the OMU SMS (Text) Messaging Alert Service pursuant to the specific Terms and Conditions for the OMU SMS (Text) Messaging Alert Service. OMU may use your Personal Information for the following purposes: to administer and improve the program and/or related services including SMS services; to provide Internet and/or mobile security; and to meet legal requirements. OMU, its affiliates and service providers may have access to your Personal Information and any information you enter through the text messaging service. OMU may work with affiliated organizations to perform certain functions on our behalf, such as managing data or processing information. These third parties will have access to your Personal Information only to the extent necessary to perform these specific functions and may not use it for any other purpose.
Privacy of Children
Authorized users must be 18 years of age or older to participate in the OMU SMS (Text) Messaging Alert Service. OMU does not knowingly collect Personal Information from children under the age of 13.
Cookies
If you visit our website, OMU or a third-party may store or recognize some information on your computer in the form of a “cookie” or similar file that can help us make the site and/or services more functional. Cookies allow websites to “remember” a user’s activities and visits to a site. With most Internet browsers or other software, you can erase cookies from your computer hard drive, block all cookies, or receive a warning before a cookie is stored. Please refer to your browser instructions to learn more about these functions. If you reject cookies, functionality of the site may be limited, and you may not be able to take advantage of the site’s features. Some phones may also store cookies. Check your phone’s make and model and/or contact your carrier to determine how to change browser settings.
Links
Mobile alerts may contain links to other sites on the Internet that are owned and operated by third parties. OMU is not responsible for the collection or use of your information at any third-party sites that you choose to access.
Security
We have reasonable administrative, physical and technical measures, policies and procedures in place to protect the privacy, security and confidentiality of your Personal Information that we collect and maintain. All Personal Information is stored on our secure servers, or that of our service providers, behind a firewall at a data center with strictly controlled access.
How Do You Contact OMU or Update Personal Information?
If you have any questions or comments about this SMS Privacy Policy, or would like to update, deactivate or delete any Personal Information, please contact us:
Owensboro Municipal Utilities
270-926-3200
2070 Tamarack Road
Owensboro, KY 42301
We will retain your Personal Information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with the services that you requested. We will retain and use your information as necessary to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.