Many businesses attract clients primarily or exclusively via the Internet. It’s important for any website to maintain an easy-to-find and comprehensive privacy policy, but it is particularly crucial for business websites. Even though the majority of your site’s visitors may never look at it, having one in place can provide you and your visitors with legal protection in case something goes wrong.
How Privacy Policies Protect Consumers
Laws that require privacy policies aim to protect consumers in a number of ways. A properly written privacy policy outlines what data your website collects and how that data is used, giving visitors the chance to leave the website if they do not wish to participate.
Regulations Regarding Privacy Policies
A vast number of laws and regulations cover privacy policies. You must meet privacy policy requirements wherever you do business, whether you only work with consumers in your city or you work with clients all over the world.
One example is the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. This federal law governs websites that cater to children under 13 years of age. In addition to other pieces of information required in standard privacy policies, websites that must comply with this act have to provide notice to parents and get their consent before getting data or information from children.
Failing to meet a local or federal privacy policy law can be costly. Not only could you face fines or other penalties from the appropriate government body, but you could also be the target of lawsuits if you are noncompliant.
Third-Party Apps and Services
Not only are you legally obligated to maintain a privacy policy on your website, but you may also be contractually obligated as well. Many third-party services, including those offered by Google and Apple, require that you maintain a privacy policy if you display ads or use advertising services. Failing to meet a service provider’s requirements could get you banned from their platform, leaving you with fewer ways to advertise your services or distribute your apps.
The Importance of Transparency
Beyond the legal and contractual reasons to have a thorough and relevant privacy policy on your website, it’s also a solid business decision. When you are upfront with your visitors about what information you collect and how you use it, they’re more likely to trust you and consider your services. In today’s business environment, where honesty and transparency are essential for long-term growth, this is a great reason to have a prominently displayed privacy policy on your website.
What a Privacy Policy Should Include
Your privacy policy should outline what type of data you get from visitors, how that data is used, how users can opt out of sharing their information, and the security policies you use to safeguard their data. Your policy may also note where data is stored and who has access to it. The requirements you must meet depend on where you conduct business and which third-party services you use.
Writing a comprehensive privacy policy and meeting other legal requirements can protect your business from lawsuits and fines. Make sure your company is compliant with the help of a business lawyer—call Trembly Law at (305) 431-5678 to find out how we can help.
