Privacy notice on collection

Effective Date: September 30, 2026

Purpose

This privacy Notice on Collection (NoC) explains how the California Office of Data and Innovation (ODI) collects, uses, and shares your information when you visit and interact with the AskCA Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistant. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring confidentiality of your personal information as defined in California Civil Code 1798.3 (opens in new tab) and Civil Code 1798.29 (opens in new tab).

The California Civil Code Section 1798.17 (opens in new tab) IPA requires state agencies to provide a NoC when personal information is collected and when it is subject to the limitations in the IPA and state policy. ODI limits the collection of personal information. We safeguard the privacy of individuals when we collect or maintain personal information. This notice supplements our privacy policy.

Authority

ODI is committed to protecting the privacy of your information. Our information management practices conform to the requirements of:

Why ODI collects your information

Automatically collected information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, such as your Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type, operating system, and pages visited. This information is used for website administration, troubleshooting, and improving user experience.

Personal information

Personal identifiers

Description: We may collect personal information (for example, email address, name/username, password, race, ethnicity, zip code and other general demographic characteristics) only when voluntarily provided to us through forms, contact inquiries, surveys or other means.

Purpose of collection: Provide services that include communication, survey completion, or similar offerings; research and development; quality assurance; security/anti-fraud; and to comply with our legal obligations.

Internet or online information

Description: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, cookies and similar technologies.

Purpose of Collection: This information is used for website administration, troubleshooting and to enhance user’s experience, personalized content and website traffic.

The collection of your personal information is voluntary. You have the right to limit disclosure and not provide personal information when it is not requested.

The consequences of not providing your personal information, may impact your ability to receive services and future engagement with AskCA.

Information from third parties

We may receive information about you from third parties, such as social media platforms, if you choose to interact with our website through those platforms we may use your information to:

Provide services: We use your information to provide you with the services and information you request, such as responding to inquiries, processing applications, and delivering content.
Improve our website: We use collected data to analyze website traffic, identify areas for improvement, and personalize your experience.
Comply with legal obligations: We may use your information to comply with legal requirements, such as responding to subpoenas or court orders.
Communicate with you: We may use your contact information to send you updates, newsletters, or other information related to our services

How the AskCA AI Assistant uses your data

If you choose to interact with our website through third party platforms, such as social media platforms, we may use your information to:

Provide you with the services and information you request, such as responding to inquiries, processing applications, and delivering content.
Improve our website by collecting data to analyze website traffic, identify areas for improvement, and personalize your experience.
Comply with legal requirements, such as responding to subpoenas or court orders.
Communicate with you by sending you updates, newsletters, or other information related to our services.

Why we use this tool

The AI Assistant, supported by third-party service providers, is an all-in-one resource platform designed to help Californians quickly find government services without navigating multiple websites.

Important: Please do not provide personal or sensitive information unless it is specifically requested by our services. This includes but is not limited to social security numbers or private health information. Sharing such information when it is not required may put your privacy at risk.

What we collect

Your Conversation: We save information you provide to the AI Assistant to record previous responses during your chat. This information is used to measure the performance of the product and better serve you.
Basic Information: If you provide your zip code, we may use it to assist in locating local services near you. Providing this information and using AskCA services is voluntary. Choosing not to use our services will not affect your ability to use other website features.

How your data is stored and protected within AskCA

Data Storage: This data is securely stored in United States data centers that comply with strict laws and rules. ODI does not sell or distribute your data for advertising.
Privacy Scrubbing: We use automated tools to remove personal details (including but not limited to names or email addresses) before saving them for long-term review.

Your rights

Your rights to personal information include:

Access: You have the right to access personal information we hold about you.
Correction: You have the right to request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
Opt-out: You have the right to object and opt-out of the processing of your information in certain circumstances.
Deletion: You have the right to request that we delete your Electronically collected personal information as defined in California Government Code sections 11015.5 (opens in new tab).

Public disclosure

Any known or foreseeable disclosures which may be made of your information, including disclosures to other state agencies, the federal government, or law enforcement, as well as, disclosures of your information which may be made pursuant to subdivision (e) or (f) of California Civil Code Section 1798.24 (opens in new tab).

Any information we acquire, including information collected on our website, may be released if requested as stated in the Information Practices Act of 1977 (see California Civil Code Section 1798 (opens in new tab)).

Protecting your privacy

You can help protect your private information. Be sure to update your browser and operating system regularly.

For more information on how you can protect your privacy, visit https://oag.ca.gov/privacy (opens in new tab). For tips on securing your computer, click on the Office of the California Attorney General link below:

https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/facts/online-privacy/computer-secure (opens in new tab)

Contact information

If you have questions about the AskCA NoC, contact our Chief Privacy Officer.

Office of Data and Innovation
Attn: Chief Privacy Officer
401 I Street, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95814
Email: privacy@innovation.ca.gov