Futr AI Chatbot - Privacy policy
We are committed to protecting your privacy and security when you use the Slough Borough Council website. This privacy policy outlines:
- the information we collect through the Futr AI chatbot
- how we use it, and
- the rights you have in relation to your personal data when utilising our third-party chatbot on our website.
By using our chatbot, you agree to the terms laid out in this privacy policy.
Data protection
Slough Borough Council will only process your personal data/information in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. Our privacy policy gives more information.
For more information about the Data Protection Act 2018 please visit the ICO website . If you have any Data Protection Act or Freedom of Information Act 2000 enquiries, please email dataprotectionofficer@slough.gov.uk or call 01753 875244.
Consent and Review
By engaging with our chatbot, you are giving us consent to collect and process your personal data as described in this policy. You have the right to:
- withdraw your consent at any time and,
- review, update, or request deletion of your personal data held by us.
Collection, retention, and use of information
Any information voluntarily shared with the chatbot, whether in automated or live chats with a customer service agent, may be used to direct you to services and information on the Slough Borough Council website. This will be done through the automated use of information retrieval and natural language processing. This may include, but is not limited to, your name, contact details, and any other information you voluntarily provided during the conversation. Without the processing of data supplied in your enquiry, the chatbot will not be able to support your request.
We may collect personal data from you when you interact with our chatbot. This may include, but is not limited to, your name, contact details, and any other information you voluntarily provided during the conversation.
We will use the information you provide through the chatbot solely to address your enquiries and provide you with relevant information. We do not share your personal data with any third parties, except as required by law or with your explicit consent.
We will retain any data that you supply when you use the chatbot for up to up to six months in line with our global retention policy. After this time, we will delete all data supplied. If you wish to request the deletion of your personal data, please email webmanager@slough.gov.uk. A request to delete this information must be made before the time lapse of six months. A log of your conversations with the chatbot may be deleted by you at any time. A transcript of your conversation can also be downloaded within the chatbot by you, at any time, within six months of your first interaction if this has not already been deleted by you or the council.
Aggregated data
Aggregated data combines data from multiple individuals to get an understanding of overall user behaviour and usage patterns.
We will collect, use, and share aggregated statistical data to improve the chatbot and council services offered. For example, we may aggregate your usage data to calculate the number of users accessing a specific website feature.
If we combine any aggregated data with any personal data you have supplied, we will treat the combined data as personal data which will be used and treated in accordance with this privacy policy. If we combine or connect any aggregated data with any personal data you have supplied, we will treat this as personal data and in accordance with this privacy policy.
Security measures
We have applied appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard your personal data from unauthorised access, loss, destruction, or alteration. However, please note, no transmission or storage method is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
Cookies and tracking technologies
Our chatbot may use cookies or similar tracking technologies to enhance your user experience and improve our services. You have the right to disable cookies within your browser settings, although this may impact your ability to use certain features of our website.
Links
The chatbot may supply links to pages within the Slough Borough Council website or to third-party sites, plug-ins, and applications. The third-party links may navigate you away from the chatbot where you may choose to share your data. If you choose to share your data with these third-party links, please note they are not covered by this privacy policy and we are therefore not responsible for their privacy statements. When you leave our chatbot or website, we advise you to read the privacy policy of every website.
External links
Our website may contain links to external websites. Please note we have no control over the privacy practices or content of these third-party websites. We advise you to review the privacy policies of these websites before you share any personal data.
Children's privacy
Our chatbot is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal data from a child, we will take steps to delete it promptly. If a safeguarding concern is raised within the chatbot by a person under the age of 16, we will refer this information to the appropriate authority as required by law.
Changes to this privacy policy
We reserve the right to update or make changes to this privacy policy as needed. We will share any significant changes through our website or other appropriate channels. By continuing to use our chatbot after revisions to the policy, you accept the updated terms.
Contact us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests related to your personal data or this privacy policy, please email webmanager@slough.gov.uk.