• Information we collect: The Historic Downtown Authority collects all data contained in our online forms, on physical forms and scanned and attached documents, requested as requirements for procedures before the institution during all stages of the procedure, such as, Name, email, physical address, phone number, browsing data (such as IP address, browser type, pages visited and time of visit), and demographic information. Cookies and similar tracking technologies are used to enhance the user experience and analyze site traffic.

• Use of the information: The information collected will be used exclusively to optimize the management of your requests for institutional procedures, ensuring agile and efficient processing. It will also allow us to personalize your experience within our platform, adapting the content and functionalities to your specific needs and interests. The main objective of this customization is to improve the usability and relevance of our services for each individual user.

• Additionally, the data will be used for a process of continuous improvement of all our services. This includes the analysis of usage patterns, the identification of areas of opportunity and the implementation of new functionalities or adjustments that optimize the quality and coverage of what we offer. Finally, the information will enable us to send you relevant and personalized communications, such as notifications about the status of your procedures, important policy or service updates, and any other information that we consider to be of interest to you and that contributes to a more informed and productive interaction with our institution.

• Disclosure of information: All information provided to the institution, without exception, is considered strictly confidential. The safeguarding and protection of this data is an unavoidable responsibility of the institution, which is committed to implement and maintain the most rigorous security measures to ensure its integrity, availability and confidentiality.

• Information security: This involves the application of restricted access protocols, data encryption, and constant training of personnel in information protection, thus ensuring that it will not be disclosed, shared or used for purposes other than those expressly authorized, in accordance with current legislation and the institution’s internal policies.

• User’s rights:

Any user interacting with this institution shall fully enjoy all the rights and guarantees established in the Administrative Procedures Law in force in the Republic of El Salvador. This includes, but is not limited to, the following fundamental aspects:

1. Right to be heard: The user has the right to present his arguments, evidence and allegations at any stage of the administrative procedure that concerns him, and to have them duly considered by the competent authority.
2. Right to information: Access to relevant public information on procedures and decisions that affect you is guaranteed, in clear, simple and understandable language. This includes the possibility of knowing the status of their procedures, deadlines and available resources.
3. Right to transparency: The institution undertakes to act with total transparency in all its processes, allowing the user to know the decision criteria, the legal and technical grounds, and the identity of the responsible officials.
4. Right to participation: In those cases where the regulations allow it, citizen participation in decision-making that may directly impact users will be encouraged through established mechanisms.
5. Right to dignified and respectful treatment: All employees of the institution are obliged to provide courteous, respectful and professional treatment to users, without any discrimination whatsoever and ensuring their well-being.
6. Right to the protection of personal data: The personal information provided by the user will be treated with strict confidentiality and in accordance with current legislation on data protection, and will be used only for the specific purposes of the procedure.
7. Right to file appeals: In case of disagreement with an administrative decision or act, the user has the right to file the administrative and judicial appeals granted by law to challenge such resolutions.
8. Right to efficiency and promptness: The institution shall strive to ensure that procedures are carried out as efficiently and promptly as possible, within the established deadlines, avoiding undue delays.

In addition to the rights protected by the Administrative Procedures Law, the institution establishes internal policies that seek to strengthen and expand the protection and service to the user, always seeking an environment of trust, respect and efficiency in all interactions. These policies will be published and easily accessible to all interested parties, complementing the legal framework in force.

• Data Retention: Data Retention Policy of the Historic Center of San Salvador.

At the Historic Center of San Salvador, the management and preservation of information are fundamental pillars to guarantee transparency, historical memory and regulatory compliance. Our data preservation policy establishes the guidelines for the collection, custody and eventual disposal of all information generated within the framework of our operations.

Conservation Period:

All data, regardless of their format (documentary, digital, audiovisual, etc.), will be kept for a minimum period of 10 years from the date of creation or receipt. This period has been defined in strict compliance with current legislation on document archiving and data protection, including specific regulations governing public administration and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Conservation Justification and Objectives:

The extension of this conservation period responds to various strategic and legal objectives:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to all applicable laws and regulations in El Salvador pertaining to records management and the protection of personal and public data. This includes, but is not limited to, access to public information laws, government audit regulations and cultural heritage laws.
• Historical and Heritage Memory: The data collected are essential to document the evolution of the Historic Center, its projects, interventions, events and the life of its communities. Long-term conservation allows the study and understanding of these processes, contributing to historical research and the dissemination of knowledge about our heritage.
• Transparency and Accountability: Keeping records accessible for an extended period of time facilitates internal and external auditing processes, as well as requests for information from the public, promoting transparency in the management of resources and decisions made.
• Research and Development: Historical and contemporary data is a valuable source for academic research, urban planning, project management and future decision making regarding the conservation and development of the Historic Center.
• Legal and Administrative Support: In case of litigation, claims or any need for legal or administrative verification, the availability of original and complete data is crucial to defend institutional interests and ensure the correct application of the law.

Responsibilities and Custody:

Responsibility for the collection, organization, safekeeping and access to data lies with the Archive and Document Management area of the Historic Center of San Salvador, in coordination with all administrative units that generate information. Robust document management systems, both physical and digital, will be implemented to guarantee the integrity, authenticity, confidentiality (when applicable) and availability of the data during the entire conservation period.

Final Disposition of Data:

Once the 10-year period has elapsed, an appraisal process will be conducted to determine the final disposition of the data. This process will be carried out in accordance with current legislation and archival best practices, and may include:

• Transfer to Historical Archives: Those documents of permanent historical value will be transferred to the General Archive of the Nation or to designated historical repositories for their perpetual preservation and public access, under strict preservation conditions.
• Secure Disposal: Data that has no historical, administrative or legal value that justifies further retention will be securely deleted, ensuring irreversible destruction of the information to protect privacy and prevent unauthorized access.

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure consistency with legislative changes and institutional needs, reaffirming the commitment of the Historic Center of San Salvador with the responsible management of information and the preservation of our legacy.
Contact: Any questions can be communicated through the channels provided, either via email to ventanillaunica@centrohistocio.gob.sv or directly to our officer of access to public information via email: aip@centrohistorico.gob.sv