Information is collected on the City of Vaasa’s website to ensure a secure and smooth user experience, to develop the service, and to target marketing content. Data processing follows transparent principles, and users can manage their cookie settings. The technologies used support responsible use of data.
Data collection
The Vaasa.fi website collects information:
- which devices were used to access the site
- the referring web address from which users arrived at the website
- which individual pages users have visited
- how many users the site has; visits to individual pages are shown only as numbers
The Vaasa.fi website does not collect information about:
- users’ IP addresses
- users’ location more precise than municipal level
- the site does not send personal data to third parties
The data are in a form that cannot be linked to an individual user without additional information.
Contact details may be requested in various forms. Access to the information is restricted to city personnel. Information provided in forms is not disclosed to third parties unless otherwise stated in connection with the form.
Purpose of data processing
Information is used to ensure the technical functionality and security of the site, to analyse and develop the website, and to target marketing communications as described below.
Website analysis and development
The Vaasa.fi website uses the web analytics tool Matomo Analytics, which uses site data to collect statistical information. Data are collected to analyse visitor numbers, content interest and service usage patterns, and to develop the website.
- Read more about Matomo Analytics’ privacy (matomo.org)
Cookies
Cookies are used on the Vaasa.fi website. Cookies make using our site easy, fast and user-friendly. Cookies can also be used for marketing targeting; read more in the Targeting of marketing communications section.
Users are asked to choose whether they allow all cookies, selected cookies, or only necessary cookies to be loaded. A user can block third-party cookies or change their consent at any time from the cookie settings.
A cookie is a small text file that a web browser stores on the user’s device. Cookies are set on the user’s device only by the sites the user visits. Only the server that set the cookie can later read and use it. Cookies or other technologies do not harm the user’s device or files, and cookies cannot be used to run programs or spread malware.
Chat service privacy
The chat service is one of the City of Vaasa’s customer service channels. Visitors can chat anonymously and are not required to register.
The conversation between the visitor and the customer advisor in the chat is deleted immediately after the chat and no personal data are stored from the conversation. The visitor is not asked for any personal information, nor can they handle personal matters in the chat.
During the conversation, the visitor can also request the chat history to be sent to their own email address.
The chat service collects the following analytics data from conversations:
- The time of the conversation
- The name of the customer advisor
- The visitor’s location (country)
- The visitor’s email address when they request the conversation to be sent to their email. The email address is deleted once the conversation has been sent to the customer.
Targeting of marketing communications
In campaigns, we use cookies to target content. The use of cookies for content targeting requires the user’s consent. These cookies help the City of Vaasa serve targeted advertisements to users based on how they have used the vaasa.fi website or other services. These cookies may be set by selected service providers (media agencies) as third parties. These cookies are persistent. If you do not allow these cookies, content targeting functionalities will not be available.
On social media and in advertising we use advertising cookies. The use of advertising cookies requires the user’s consent. Advertising cookies allow us to place targeted content for you. In marketing campaigns, cookies are activated through carefully selected marketing partners in our online services. These companies may use third-party cookies to understand users’ interests and show appropriate ads on other sites. Third-party cookies may also be used in social media services.