Today I want to talk about something vital yet often overlooked: Privacy Policies, Terms of Service, Cookie Policies, and consents. If that sounds like the least exciting part of running a website, you’re not wrong—but it’s incredibly important.

Do you need a Privacy Policy?

Well, no, you don’t need one – if you don’t collect email addresses, use Google Analytics to track user data, or display third party ads.

In other words, yes, you do!

One of your most important tasks is to establish trusting relationships with your website visitors. Without a prominently displayed privacy policy that details how you collect, use, and protect their information, many people will be reluctant to fill out your contact form, sign up for your newsletter, or purchase your digital products.

Many jurisdictions have laws around online privacy, but even if they don’t apply to you directly, it’s in your best interest to alleviate any concerns your visitors may have about using your website.

Why You Need to Care About Website Policies

1. Your website is collecting (and sharing) personal information.

Every time someone fills out a contact form on your website, you’re collecting their personal information, like names and email addresses, and sharing it with your email provider. Even if you’re not actively collecting data, your website might still be gathering IP addresses for security or analytics purposes.

2. Websites require a Privacy Policy.

Privacy laws regulate how personal information like names, emails, and IP addresses are handled. And because your website can be accessed from anywhere in the world, you may be subject to multiple privacy laws, each with specific disclosure requirements.

Having a Privacy Policy isn’t just a formality anymore. And it’s not just about having one; it needs to include specific details that comply with all the laws that apply to your site.

3. Non-compliance is costly.

Ignoring privacy laws could cost you big time. Fines for non-compliance can quickly add up.

And here’s the kicker: privacy laws continue to evolve, with new requirements adding even more complexity to staying compliant.

What’s the Solution?

If you already have an attorney handling your website policies, fantastic! Having a legal expert monitor and update your policies is the gold standard.

For those looking for a more affordable solution, let me introduce Termageddon.

Why I Recommend Termageddon

Termageddon is a tool that generates custom website policies, founded by a licensed attorney who also serves as the Chair of the American Bar Association’s ePrivacy Committee. It includes Privacy Policies, Cookie Policies and consent banners, Terms of Service, and more.

It’s super easy to use – you just have to fill out a questionnaire and it generates the policies you need based on your answers.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Custom Compliance: It identifies which laws apply to your site and ensures your policies meet those requirements.
• Auto-Updates: As laws change or new ones take effect, Termageddon updates your policies automatically, saving you the headache of doing it manually.
• Peace of Mind: You’ll get notifications about changes and can rest easy knowing your site stays compliant over time.

I use Termageddon for my own websites and recommend it because it’s reliable, affordable, and keeps me and my visitors protected. Full disclosure: As an Agency Partner, I received a free license and I’ll receive a commission if you sign up through my link.

To explore other options, simply search for “privacy policy generator.”

What to include in your Privacy Policy

Let me start by stating that I am not a legal expert by any stretch of the imagination, but my understanding is that your Privacy Policy should indicate:

• What identifying information you collect and why you collect it
• Whether your website uses cookies and for what reasons
• How you will use the information you collect
• With whom you may share the information you collect
• How people may contact you with questions or concerns

For an example, feel free to view my Privacy Policy, which I created with Termageddon.

Next Steps

1. Learn about Privacy Laws that apply to your website.
2. Review your existing Privacy Policy and update it if necessary. If you don’t have a Privacy Policy yet, create one using Termageddon or an appropriate template.

Photo by zimmytws /Depositphotos