Privacy Policy

 

Effective Date: 9/5/2025
Last Updated: 8/28/2025

 

The Maryland Office of People’s Counsel (OPC) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how we protect it, and your rights under Maryland law when you interact with us through our website or request communications via phone, email, or text message.

 

1. Information we collect

When you visit our website or use our “Contact Us” form, we may collect the following information you provide voluntarily:

  • Your name
  • Your phone number
  • Your email address
  • Any additional information you choose to share in your message

In addition, certain technical information is automatically collected when you use our website, including:

  • Your Internet Protocol (IP) address and domain name
  • The type of browser and operating system you use
  • The date and time of your visit
  • The pages or services you accessed on our site
  • The website that referred you to us

This technical data does not personally identify you. It is used only to improve our site’s performance, ensure security, and better understand how visitors use our website.

 

2. How we use your information

We only use your information for the purpose for which you provided it. This includes:

  • Responding directly to your questions, requests, or concerns
  • Providing one-time communications (via phone, email, or text) that you specifically requested

We do not use your contact information for marketing. We do not share or sell consumer personal information. We do not send recurring promotional texts, add you to ongoing mailing lists, or use your information for unrelated purposes. No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties

 

3. Text messaging

By submitting your phone number through our website on our “Contact Us” form, you consent to receive a single direct-response text message from us related to your inquiry.

  • Standard message and data rates may apply
  • No recurring or marketing text messages will be sent.
  • You may reply “STOP” at any time to end communication.

 

4. Information sharing

We respect your privacy and will not sell, rent, or trade your information to third parties for marketing purposes. We may share your information only in limited circumstances:

  • With Service Providers (with your knowledge): To help us deliver a response (such as through secure communication tools), and only for the specific purpose requested.
  • Public Records: Maryland’s Public Information Act may require disclosure of certain records unless the information is specifically protected from release. Personal records are kept confidential to the fullest extent allowed by law.

 

5. Data security

We take reasonable precautions to protect your personal information. This includes using secure systems and following the State of Maryland’s IT security policies and best practices. While we work hard to protect your information, no method of transmission or storage can be guaranteed completely secure. By providing your information, you acknowledge and accept this risk.

Please refer to the State's Information Technology website for additional information on information privacy and security policies in Maryland.

 

6. Your privacy rights under Maryland law

Maryland law requires state agencies to protect citizens’ personal information and to collect only what is necessary for official purposes. When we collect information, you have the right to know:

  • Why we are collecting it and how it will be used
  • What may happen if you choose not to provide it
  • Your right to access and correct the information we maintain about you
  • Whether the information may be subject to public inspection under Maryland law
  • Whether the information may be shared with other entities and under what conditions

We are committed to ensuring that any personal records are relevant, accurate, and collected fairly.

 

7. Updates to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect new laws, regulations, or changes in how we operate. Updates will be posted on our website with the date of the most recent revision.

Last Updated: 8/28/2025

 

Contact us

If you have any questions about this policy or how your information is handled, contact us at:

Maryland Office of People’s Counsel

6 St. Paul Street, Suite 2102

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Phone: (410) 767-8150

Email: opc@maryland.gov