Privacy Notice
Introduction
Thank you for visiting the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission website and reviewing our Privacy Policy and Accessibility Statement. This policy addresses the collection, use, security, and access of information that may be obtained through the use of this site.
When you visit our site, we collect information about your visit, but nothing that personally identifies you. We collect information that personally identifies you only if you voluntarily submit one of our forms to make an online payment, submit a public comment, file a consumer complaint, request public records, or request an Operation Lifesaver presentation. This information is used only for the purpose for which it is collected. This information may become public record and, therefore, subject to inspection and copying upon request. You may contact the agency to review and correct any information we may have that identifies you personally.
Our Privacy Policy Covers the Following Topics
Collection and use of information
Collection and Use of Information
If you browse this site
If you do no more than browse, read pages, or download information, we will gather and store certain information about your visit. This information does not identify you personally. We automatically collect and store the following details about your visit:
- The Internet Protocol (IP), domain, and network address you use to access our site.
- The type of web browser and operating system you are using,
- The date and time of your visit,
- The pages or services you visit on this site
- The last website you visited before coming to ours, and
- Other web traffic data, such as Google Analytics.
The information we automatically collect or store is used by this agency only to improve the content on our site and help us understand how people use our services.
If you volunteer information
If you submit an electronic form or survey, send an email, or perform some other transaction online, the following information will also be collected:
- If you connect with us via email, your email address and the contents of the email.
- Information volunteered in response to a survey.
- Information volunteered through an online form for any other purpose.
The information collected is not limited to text characters and may include audio, video, and graphic information formats you share with us.
We use your email address to respond directly to you, address issues mentioned in your email, improve our site, or forward it to another agency for appropriate action. Survey information is used to improve online services. Information from other online forms is used to gather information from you in support of the agency's work.
The state records retention schedules require us to keep this information so long as it is useful, and then destroy it. These schedules can change at any time.
Choosing to Share Information
If you provide personal information
Personally identifiable information (PII) includes your name, address, and phone number. The domain name and IP address are not considered PII.
We do not collect PII about you unless you voluntarily share it when you email us, submit a survey, or complete an online form. You may choose not to contact us by email, complete a survey, or include any PII in an online form. Your choice not to participate in these activities will not impair your ability to browse, read, or download any information on this site.
If PII is requested or volunteered by the user, state law and the federal Privacy Act of 1974 may protect it. However, once you provide this information, it becomes public record and may be subject to public inspection and copying, unless it is protected by state or federal law.
Children's Privacy
Users are cautioned that the collection of PII requested or volunteered by children is treated the same as information given by an adult and is subject to public disclosure. We urge all children under the age of 13 to get permission from a parent or guardian before sharing PII on any website.
Public Access to Information
In Washington, laws exist to ensure open state government and the public's right to access appropriate records and information possessed by the state government. State and federal laws provide exceptions to the public's right to access public records that serve a range of needs, including individual privacy.
If there is a conflict between this Privacy Notice and the Public Records Act or any other law governing the agency's disclosure of records, the Public Records Act or other applicable law will apply.
Correcting Information
You can review any personal information we collect about you by contacting the agency. You may suggest changes to any of the information you deem incorrect by email or a written request that credibly shows the error. We will take reasonable steps to verify your identity before granting access or making changes.
Security Information
The agency has taken several steps to safeguard the integrity of its data and avoid unauthorized access to information. These measures are designed to prevent data corruption, block unknown or unauthorized access to our systems and information, and provide reasonable protection of the private information we have.
Disclaimer
The agency's website has many links to other sites, including those operated by government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses. When you link to another site, you are no longer on the UTC site, and this policy will not apply. When you link to another website, you are subject to the privacy policy of that new site. While we review the external sites linked on our webpages, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of the information contained in them. Any person relying on information on a linked website must do so at their own risk.
The agency makes every effort to ensure that documents and information provided on our website are accurate and provided promptly. However, neither the agency nor the State of Washington warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of information published by this system. Consequently, the agency shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Anyone who relies on any information from this system does so at their own risk.
We reserve the right to revise and update this Privacy Policy at any time without notice by posting the revision on our site.
Contact Us
Privacy Questions: Email Privacy@utc.wa.gov or call 360-664-1234.
Report Misuse: If you suspect that your information is being used without consent, contact our Records Center.
Accessibility Statement
Our Commitment to Digital Accessibility
The agency is committed to making our digital services accessible to everyone. This includes our website, online tools, and electronic documents. We design our site to follow the standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), which sets the standard for accessible digital content.
Our work follows Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable regulations. These rules ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to government and digital services without barriers.
Accommodation Requests
Accessibility‑related accommodation requests are private and protected by law. If you need help accessing information on this site, email Outreach@utc.wa.gov or call 360‑664‑1116.
If you are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, or have trouble speaking, you can reach us through relay services:
- Dial 1‑800‑833‑6384 or 711 to connect with TTY Relay Services.
- When the operator asks for a phone number, give them 360‑664‑1160.
Privacy Laws and Rules
Accuracy, Integrity, and Privacy of Records Law - RCW 43.195.365
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
Public Documents Law - RCW 42.56.070
State Public Records Act - RCW 42.56
Accessibility Laws and Rules
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II
Washington State Digital Accessibility Policy - USER-01 (PDF)