Privacy Policies for Your Online Business: An Overview
If you have an online business, you really need to understand the basics of privacy policies. If your business has a website that collects information from its users, you need a privacy policy.
Why Privacy Policies Matter:
Privacy policies explain how user data is handled, which protects your business from violating privacy regulations and builds trust with your users. These privacy regulations are serious, and violating them could cost your business.
What to Include in Your Privacy Policy:
Clear explanations of WHAT personal data you collect. For example: names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and any other personal information.
Clear explanations of HOW and WHY you collect the data. For example: for marketing and analytic purposes, to provide products and services, to operate your company. You need to be as specific as possible here.
Clear explanations of HOW you protect user data. Make sure to list any security measures you have in place to protect user data.
Clear explanations of WHO you share the data with: Do you share it with any third parties? Do you sell it to any third parties?
If you do, clearly explain WHY you share the data with third parties. For example, if you share it with third party software providers, you need to disclose why.
Make sure your privacy policy has everything required to be disclosed by the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), and other state and international data privacy laws.
Make sure you include a clear description of your Cookie Policy.
Where to Display Your Privacy Policy:
Display your privacy policy in the main menu of your website, in the footer of your website, and anywhere near where you collect personal information. This includes near opt-in forms, contact forms, and purchase forms.
Don’t Forget to Regularly Update Your Privacy Policy:
Don’t forget to regularly update your privacy policy to keep up with changes in your business and changes in privacy regulations.
Violations of data privacy regulations are serious, and the fines and related lawsuits can get expensive. That’s why we recommend consulting with an attorney to make sure your privacy policy actually complies with these laws.
Need help drafting your privacy policy? We’re here to help. Book a call below or call us at 321-209-2637 for details on our privacy policy drafting and planning services.
