PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
AUTHORITIES: The U.S. Department of State is committed to ensuring that any personal information received by the overseas Global Support Strategy (GSS) operations pursuant to providing GSS-related services, whether by web form, in person, via phone, or otherwise, is safeguarded against unauthorized disclosure. The Department of State contracted General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT) to provide GSS services on behalf of U.S. consulates and embassies abroad. Information provided to the GSS service providers, and the U.S. Department of State is subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act (5 USC 552a). The information is sought pursuant to provisions in Titles 8 and 22 of the United States Code (U.S.C.), whether or not codified, including but not limited to 8 U.S.C. § 1104 (Powers and duties of Secretary of State); 8 U.S.C. § 1201-1202 (Issuance of visas; Application for Visas); 22 U.S.C. 211a et seq. (Passport Application and Issuance); and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
PURPOSE: The information requested is to provide general information and Consular services to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. Specifically, the GSS program provides support services for American citizens and legal permanent residents, on behalf of U.S. consulates and embassies abroad, which may include, but are not limited to information services, Consular Affairs appointment services, fee collection services, document delivery services, greeter services, and applicant service center services.
ROUTINE USES: This information collected may be used to schedule appointments, to coordinate and provide document delivery services and to provide information to other agencies and private sector partners to coordinate and provide Consular Affairs services to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents overseas. The information may be made available to other Department of State offices, U.S. consulates and embassies, Congress, other domestic government agencies, foreign governments, private contractors, or to a private employer to assist in providing requested consular services. Information may also be used to provide information to Congress and status information to approved family members or a private sector person. More information on the routine uses for the system can be found in System of Records Notices, STATE-05, Overseas Citizens Services Records and Other Overseas Records, and STATE-26, Passport Records.
DISCLOSURE: Providing the information requested is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information could preclude or may cause delays in scheduling and/or providing the requested service. Please note that information provided is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 552a; Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014, Public Law 113-283, USC Chapter 35; and OMB Circular No. A-130, revised July 28, 2016.
PRIVACY POLICY AND TERMS OF USE
Use and collection of information
The United States (US) Department of State contracted GDIT to provide general information and administrative services related to U.S. visa applications and U.S. citizen services. GDIT does not collect personally identifiable information (PII) about you when you visit our website, unless you choose to provide this information to us. Submitting PII through our website is voluntary, but by doing so, you are giving your permission to use the information for the stated purpose. Not providing certain information may result in the inability to provide you with a service you desire. If you choose to provide us with PII, through such methods as completing a web form or sending us an email, we will use that information to help us provide you the information or service you have requested, or to respond to your message. The information we may receive from you varies based on what you do when visiting our site. In order to provide the services that are required by GDIT’s contract with the United States Department of State, GDIT processes personal information including but not limited to name, address, date of birth, passport number, Internet Protocol (IP) address, and a variety of other data points. All information processed through this service is captured and stored on computer systems maintained in the United States pursuant to GDIT’s contract with the United States Department of State.
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and Call Center Services
All phone calls received by GDIT through phone numbers that support this service are recorded and stored on computer servers retained in the United States. Access to phone call recordings is restricted to authorized GDIT and Department of State personnel.
Applicant Service Center Operations
Applicant Service Centers (ASC) are in-country GDIT managed facilities used to collect applicant biometric information including but not limited to digital photograph and fingerprints. GDIT collects applicant biometric data using equipment provided and owned by the United States Department of State.
All biometric data collected by GDIT is transmitted directly to the computer systems owned and operated by the US Department of State. GDIT does not have access to any applicant biometric data. GDIT does not retain copies or store any applicant biometric data.
All ASCs are configured with Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras that record the ASC proceedings on a daily basis. Signs indicating the same are posted at all ASCs. Access to video recordings and live camera feeds is restricted to authorized GDIT and Department of State personnel.
Information collection and sharing
All information processed by GDIT in support of this service is transmitted and retained by the United States Department of State. GDIT shares the information you provide with no party other than the United States Department of State (or other government authorities when required by law or directed by the Department of State) and GDIT’s subcontractors and vendors. GDIT, GDIT’s subcontractors, and GDIT’s vendors may use the information you provide for no other purpose than providing information and administrative services related to U.S. visa applications and U.S. citizen services through GDIT’s performance of its contract with the United States Department of State.
Protection of Information
GDIT takes all reasonable precautions to secure the data collected through this site and to protect such data from loss, misuse or alteration. GDIT maintains reasonable security standards and procedures regarding unauthorized access to electronic information to prevent unauthorized removal or alteration of data.
International Data Privacy Laws and Regulations
GDIT’s data collection activities described herein, on behalf of DoS under GDIT’s contract with the United States Department of State, are not subject to international data privacy laws and regulations, including but not limited to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation because the processing activities, on behalf of DoS, fall outside the scope of international data privacy and security laws.
Notification of Changes
GDIT’s Privacy Statement may change from time to time. GDIT will post any Privacy Statement changes to this page. We encourage you to periodically review this statement to be informed of how GDIT is protecting your information.
Terms of Use
By using this Site, you represent and acknowledge that:
- All registration information that you submit will be true, accurate, current and complete;
- You will maintain the accuracy of such information, promptly update such information as necessary and within the limits of the established process;
- You will not access the Site through automated or non-human means, such as with bots, scripts or otherwise;
- You will not use the Site for any illegal or unauthorized purpose;
- Your use of the Site will not violate any applicable law or regulation;
- You will not use stolen/compromised/unauthorized payment methods to make a payment on the Site;
- If you are a third party representing an applicant or applicants, you agree that you are authorized to behave as an agent on their behalf;
- You agree to comply with these Terms of Use.
If we determine that your access violates the established Terms of Use, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account and report your account to the concerned parties.