Online Redaction and Removal Requests Policy

The Connecticut State Library (CSL) makes selected government records, publications, reports, and other documents publicly accessible online to fulfill its statutory responsibilities. CSL is required to provide access to public records or files, defined by Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) 1-200 (5) as "any recorded data or information relating to the conduct of the public's business prepared, owned, used, received or retained by a public agency, or to which a public agency is entitled to receive a copy by law or contract." CSL is also required to permanently administer and provide public access to a digital archive of intangible state publications (CGS 11-9c).

Scope

This policy applies to digital materials that are available on CSL websites and on third-party platforms and repositories used by CSL to make materials accessible to the public. This policy applies only to materials available online and not to original copies, which cannot be changed. This policy does not apply to documents not owned or controlled by CSL, subscription databases, materials already restricted under law, or materials governed by separate agency-specific policies.

Requests for Redaction or Removal

Materials made available online may be redacted or removed only under specific circumstances as outlined in this policy. Individuals can submit requests for materials to be redacted or removed in cases where online access to materials:

  • Includes high risk or sensitive personal information (i.e. Social Security Numbers, personal health information, home addresses, or personal financial account details)
  • Poses a credible threat to personal or public safety per CGS 1-200 et. seq.
  • Presents intellectual property concerns, such as documented copyright infringement

How to Make a Request

Send your request to csl.privacyrequests@ct.gov and include the following information:

  1. Your full name and contact information
  2. A statement indicating whether you are making this request for yourself or on behalf of someone else
  3. Identifying information about the material for which you are submitting a redaction or removal request, including but not limited to the URL to the material and the title of the material
  4. Category for your request:
    1. High risk or sensitive personal information
    2. Threat to personal or public safety
    3. Intellectual property

Requests for redaction or removal of multiple materials can be submitted in one communication.

Review Process

CSL will acknowledge receipt of your request within four business days. Your request will be assessed, and the appropriate action will be taken and that decision communicated to you. In some cases, the material may be temporarily removed from public view while your request is evaluated. You may be asked to provide additional supporting documentation for your request.

Potential outcomes of this process may include but are not limited to: the unchanged material remains publicly accessible online; a redacted version of the material is made publicly accessible online; or the material is removed from online access.

Final authority with respect to these decisions resides with the State Librarian.

Adopted by the State Library Board
3/23/2026