DHA Virtual Education Center Mobile App Privacy Policy

Effective Date: SEP152026

The Virtual Education Center (VEC) app helps DHA share publicly-available, educational health information with you, such as articles, studies, and videos about your health.

Users can sign up for VEC through DS Logon, a secure Department of War (DoW) self-service logon credential that allows individuals to access various DoW and Department of Veterans Affairs websites. While VEC does not allow patients to directly register new accounts, users can voluntarily add or update their email addresses and directly provide Personally Identifiable Information within the VEC application. The system also enables patients to receive notifications when educational material has been sent to them, which they can view without creating a VEC account.

We want you to understand the types of information we collect as you use our service. When you are signed up, we also collect information that we store with your VEC account, which we treat as personal information.

Things You Create or Provide to the Defense Health Agency (DHA)

To log in securely, you will use an application called myAuth. It adds an extra layer of security to protect your account, a new multi-factor authentication application supported by the Defense Manpower Data Center to provide enhanced protection for your data. It is currently being piloted on a limited basis. myAuth utilizes high levels of security to create a safe and convenient sign-on and may create or maintain information associated with a user's account.

Information You May Provide Includes:

Preferred email address(es)
Preferred phone number(s)

This information is stored within the VEC environment to support authenticated user accounts and content management features and is not shared outside of this environment.

Your Activity

We use a tool called the Digital Analytics Program (DAP) to gather general information about how the app is used (like which features are most popular). This anonymous data helps us improve the app for everyone. It is never used for advertising. DAP may collect technical information such as:

Page views
Session counts
Device type
Operating system or browser type
General navigation patterns
Date and time of access

DAP analytics are used only for evaluating and improving application performance and user experience. They are not used for advertising or commercial marketing. More information about DAP is available at: https://digital.gov/guides/dap/

Application Activity

To support app functionality, the VEC application records information associated with authenticated user accounts, including:

Message delivery
Message opens and views
User-uploaded content
Content management activities
Content sharing actions

This information is collected solely to provide and manage the App’s educational content and collaboration features and is not shared outside of the VEC environment.

Platform Analytics

Your mobile operating system or app store provider (such as Apple or Google) may independently collect diagnostic, crash, or usage information under their own privacy policies. DHA does not control this collection and recommends reviewing the privacy policies published by Apple and Google for additional information.

Device Permissions

Depending on the features you choose to use, the App may request permission to access your device's:

Camera
Photos and media
Local file storage
Network connectivity
Notifications

These permissions are used only to support App functionality and may be managed through your device settings.

How DHA Uses Your Information

Information you provide that is associated with your authenticated account(s) is used to:

Authenticate you as an authorized user
Maintain your user profile
Store and organize the content you have uploaded
Deliver educational content at your request
Allow user-selected content to be shared
Improve application performance through aggregate analytics

DHA will not sell your personal information or use it for advertising or commercial marketing. Your information can only be accessed by logging into your account. We will only share your content with other people when you specifically choose to use the app's sharing features.

Who Has Access to Your Information

The App utilizes your information with the following services to provide functionality:

myAuth – for user authentication and account management
DAP – for aggregate usage analytics
Apple App Store and Google Play – for application distribution and platform services

These services operate under their own applicable privacy practices. Where applicable, users should review the privacy policies published by those providers.

Data Retention and Deletion

Information associated with your account is retained to support App functionality until it is deleted in accordance with DHA records management requirements or account administration procedures.

You As A User May:

Delete uploaded content supported by the App.
Remove content from shared locations where permitted.
Request deletion of your account or associated information by contacting the VEC support team or a designated DHA administrator, subject to applicable records retention requirements.

Important: Deleting the app from your device will not delete your account or the information stored in it. To delete your account, please contact the VEC support team.

Children’s Privacy

The App is intended for authorized users and is not directed toward children under 13 years of age.

Security

The App uses myAuth authentication and DHA security controls to help protect your account and any information stored in your account. You are encouraged to:

Enable a device passcode or biometric authentication.
Keep device software up to date.
Follow applicable Department of Defense cybersecurity guidance.

For Additional DHA Privacy Policies, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and Privacy & Civil Liberties, please visit:

https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Privacy-and-Civil-Liberties

Defense Health Agency – Privacy & Civil Liberties Office
7700 Arlington Blvd., Suite 1M300
Falls Church, Virginia 22042
Phone: 703-275-6363