What we collect
- User input: text or queries entered into “Talk to the City” are transmitted to OpenAI and/or Anthropic's API for generating responses. Raw input text, intermediate stages of processing, and final report data are stored in our cloud infrastructure so we can serve the report.
- Technical Information: We automatically collect certain technical information such as your IP address, browser type, and device information for security and service optimization purposes.
- Cookies and local storage: We use essential cookies and local storage to maintain your session and basic preferences. No third-party tracking cookies are used.
- No sensitive data: Users are encouraged to refrain from submitting any personal, sensitive, confidential, or otherwise individually identifiable information. T3C disclaims any responsibility or liability for the inclusion of prohibited data in user submissions.
Data handling
- Data transmission: When you use “Talk to the City,” your text input (specifically the “comment” column of a CSV) is transmitted securely to either OpenAI's or Anthropic's API for processing, depending on which model you choose under Advanced Settings. Note that for conversational surveys, we rely on OpenAI's Whisper. This processing step is required to generate summaries, reports, and insights from T3C.
- Limited data retention by LLM providers: Neither OpenAI nor Anthropic uses data submitted via API for long-term improvement of their models. However, in accordance with OpenAI's API policy and Anthropic's API policy, your inputs may be retained for up to 30 days for the sole purpose of monitoring for fraud and abuse. After this period, the data are deleted.
- No-Opt Out of Retention: Participants should be aware that this 30-day retention is a standard condition of using both OpenAI's and Anthropic's commercial APIs. At this time, Talk to the City does not qualify for either provider's “Zero Data Retention” service tier, and therefore we cannot offer an opt-out of this temporary retention.
How we protect your data
- Encryption: All data transmitted is encrypted in transit using HTTPS.
- Error monitoring: We collect anonymous error logs to maintain service quality, excluding any user input or personal information.
- Data minimization: We collect only what is necessary to provide the service.
- Data deletion: You may request deletion of any data associated with you by contacting us (t3c@objective.is).
Third-party sharing
No additional sharing: Your data are sent exclusively to select providers including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Cloud Platform, Posthog, and Weights and Biases for processing. We do not share, sell, or distribute your data to any entity.
Your rights
- Access and control: You have the right to access, correct, or delete your technical data.
- Data portability: You may request an export of any data we hold about you.
- Opt-out rights: You can opt out of any optional data collection or processing.
- Additional Privacy Rights: Participants in the EU and UK have rights under GDPR/UK GDPR, including access, correction, deletion, portability, the right to object to processing, and the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. California residents have rights under the CCPA, including access to and deletion of personal information, the right to know what data are collected, and the right to request that data not be sold or shared.
- All such requests can be made by contacting t3c@objective.is.
Content ownership
- User inputs: You retain rights to your input content.
- AI responses: Outputs generated by an external AI (currently OpenAI and Anthropic models) are subject to the relevant provider's terms of service and usage policies.
Age Restrictions
This service is not intended for users under the age of 13. Users between 13–16 years old may require parental consent depending on their jurisdiction.
Your Responsibilities
- Safe use: Avoid submitting sensitive personal information or confidential data through the service.
- Compliance: Ensure your use of the service complies with applicable laws and regulations.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy and Security Policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected here with an updated effective date. Significant changes will be communicated directly to users.
Policy last updated: 28 May 2026