Why you need a website privacy policy right now
Did you know that privacy laws differ from state to state when it comes to websites and data collection?
Different countries apply different laws too, and it can become a nightmare to keep up with it all.
But if your website does not have a privacy policy in place, and you’re collecting data - even something as simple as an email address or a phone number - you may be putting your business at risk. Multiple privacy laws require certain websites to have a comprehensive privacy policy by law and penalties for non-compliance can be very costly.
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Why is a website privacy policy so important?
Visitors to your website should feel protected in giving you any personal data, and a privacy policy is the best way to do that. Beyond being legally required to disclose your methods of protecting personal information, you’re also signaling to your website users that you take privacy seriously and have taken the steps to manage their data with care. A well-written privacy statement will outline exactly what type of information is being collected, what it will be used for, and where or to whom it may be distributed.
As privacy laws around the world become more strict, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself and your business. In some cases, third-party services you use to enhance your website or provide analytical data may also require you to post a privacy policy on your website for their protection. As noted on Hubspot.com, “if you’re planning on running any online ad campaigns, both Google and Facebook require privacy policies in place if you’re collecting any user information. This is especially important for Facebook Lead Ads, which require a privacy policy URL link within each ad you create.”
Not to lob on more scariness factors, but the FTC has had no problem in the past enforcing punishments on companies big and small for violations in customer privacy disclosure. Here’s some useful information from the FTC on privacy and security.
So… you can see where this is going.
Who should have a website privacy policy?
All websites interact with user data in some way. You know that little newsletter subscription sign-up on your home page? The email addresses that you collect for marketing purposes? YOU need a privacy policy!
So if you own or operate a website anywhere in the world, you likely need a privacy policy in place that complies with laws in the regions where your website users reside. That includes small businesses, professionals, artists, bloggers… essentially anyone who has a website.
Your privacy policy should be easy to locate and read. Most visitors will look to the website footer for a link to the privacy policy page, so generally that’s a great place to maintain it.
How can you keep up with the ever-changing privacy laws?
Keeping up with changing privacy laws is no joke… and practically impossible. If your business is located in one state, but your website is used by visitors from all over the US (or in other countries), your website privacy policy needs to be in compliance across the board.
I use Termageddon* to completely take the stress and guesswork out of this necessary component of running my own business. I’ve spent some big bucks in the past with attorneys who will draft a privacy policy that is perfect for that moment, only to have to revisit it (and spend more money) in order to keep it updated with the changing laws. Also, whenever your business format changes in any way - for example you begin selling online products - your privacy policy and terms of use need to adapt with new language.
Termageddon* has been a business game-changer for me. Not only is the monthly/yearly fee minimal, but the legal pages on my website are updated automatically as soon as the laws change. I don’t have to think about a thing - I simply answer some basic questions about my business: what services I provide, types of products, location, etc. and Termageddon* does the rest. Insert the provided code into your website and… done. It really has been a huge relief to know that this side of my business is taken care of, and I feel confident in recommending their services to my website clients as well.
Next steps
Need some help getting your website on track and updated with a privacy policy? Send me a message and I’ll be happy to help.
Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and this post is not legal advice. For accurate, legal guidance, always seek counsel from a professional attorney. To clarify further, this post is not a recommendation or endorsement of any particular legal understanding, but is intended for entertainment purposes only. Please click here for full disclaimer.
