We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information whether you are browsing for information or conducting business through the Town of Whitby's website. The Town of Whitby is subject to the provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The Town will not use any personal information for any purpose that is inconsistent with the purpose for which the information was collected. View the downloadable Town of Whitby Corporate Access and Privacy Policy.

Collecting personal information

Personal information is defined by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) as “recorded information about an identifiable individual”. This would include information such as your home address, email address, phone number, birth date/age, ethnic origin, education, medical and financial information.

The Town collects and retains personal information for the following reasons:

• To process your requests for services, products or additional information
• To communicate with you
• To meet legal and regulatory requirements

Most information available on the Town's website is available anonymously. We do not collect any personal information from you unless it has been voluntarily provided. When you conduct business with the Town we will collect only as much personal information as is necessary. When we collect your personal information, you are entitled to know the following:

• The reason the information is being collected and how it will be used
• The authority that allows the municipality to collect personal information (i.e.; Municipal Act)
• Who you can contact if you have any questions regarding the collection and use of personal information

Correcting/Changing personal information

If your personal information changes, is incorrect, or your no longer desire services, the Town of Whitby will endeavour to provide a way to correct, update or remove the information from our records.

Social Media Public Policy

The Town of Whitby is dedicated to promoting open and respectful communication with the public through our social media platforms. We encourage constructive discussions and engagement with the municipality's work and services. This policy outlines the types of messages and content that will be removed from our social media platforms to maintain a positive and inclusive environment.

Community Guidelines:

1. Respectful Conduct: We expect all users to engage in respectful and civil discussions. Any content that promotes or engages in personal attacks, harassment, hate speech, or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, nationality, disability, or any other protected category will not be tolerated.
2. Foul Language: Profanity, obscenities, or offensive language are not permitted. Please keep your language clean and suitable for all audiences.
3. Violent or Threatening Content: Any content that includes violent threats, promotes violence, self-harm, or harm to others, or displays graphic or disturbing images will be removed immediately.
4. Off-Topic and Spam: Stay on topic when commenting on our posts. Irrelevant or promotional content, spam, and repetitive messages will be deleted.
5. False Information: We encourage open discussion and diverse viewpoints, but the spread of false information or deliberate misinformation will not be tolerated. We will fact-check and correct information as needed.
6. Privacy and Personal Information: Do not share personal information, contact details, or confidential information in the comments section. Any such content will be removed to protect privacy.

Moderation and Enforcement:

Our social media platforms will be moderated to enforce these guidelines. The Town of Whitby will review and remove content that violates these rules. Depending on the severity of the violation, the consequences may include warnings, temporary suspension, or banning from the platform or channel. Users may be notified of any removal or action taken, and they may appeal the decision if they believe it to be in error.

Reporting Violations:

If you come across content that violates these guidelines, please report it through the social media platform or contact the Town of Whitby directly at communications@whitby.ca. We appreciate the assistance of our online community in maintaining a respectful and informative environment.

Review and Updates:

This policy may be updated to adapt to changing circumstances or emerging issues. Users are encouraged to revisit this policy periodically to stay informed about any changes.

The Town of Whitby values public engagement and feedback on our social media platforms. We believe that by maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment, we can promote constructive dialogue and collaboration for the betterment of our community and society.

Questions?

Please contact us if you have any questions about the collection, use and correction of personal data on the Town of Whitby's website.