Almost every website out there has a privacy policy. If it doesn’t, it should. If you're not familiar with the privacy policy definition, keep reading. This page is where people can go whenever they have questions about web or consumer privacy. That’s why it’s important to cover all the details of data collection and how to use a privacy policy template.
It's not always easy to create a privacy policy. In fact, if you want to cover all of your bases, you might need some help. Many companies use free privacy statement templates or generators to create their own. You can look at a privacy policy example to get an idea of what you need.
Privacy policies are legal documents that cover the details of how websites collect, store, share, and sell data. This personal data and information can include usernames, names, addresses, marital status, birthdays, medical history, and more.
The contents of privacy policies can differ. They depend on the laws in the legal jurisdiction where the business operates. Countries can set their own laws and regulations in terms of privacy. Common privacy laws include CCPA, GDPR, COPPA, and more.
When creating legal documents, it’s best to be as thorough as possible. With a privacy policy template, you can fill in the blank spaces and personalize your policy to your business.
Generic Privacy Policy Template
Generic privacy policies will include various points. Make sure the privacy policy template you use has the following sections:
Data Collection and Use
Inform consumers that when they use your site, you might ask them to provide personally identifiable information. This information can be used to identify or contact you. Pinpoint the kind of personal data that you might collect.
Log Data
Log data includes browser type, IP address, the pages that you browse on a website, the time and date of your visit, and more. This information is typically collected every time you visit a site.
Indicate whether you use third-party services to collect, monitor, and analyze data when filling in your privacy policy template. This includes Google Analytics.
Communications
Some businesses collect personal data in order to contact potential customers in the future. Such contact is done through marketing, newsletters, promotional materials, and more. Businesses might contact their users through email and more. Be as thorough as possible when covering this section in your privacy statement.
Cookies
Cookies are referred to as small files of data. They can include anonymous unique identifiers. Websites use cookies that are stored on your computer’s hard drive to collect information.
You have the option to set your browser settings to refuse all cookies or choose when cookies are sent. However, some portions of websites might not be available if you don’t accept cookies. Inform consumers of how cookies are used on your website.
Security
Security is important to everyone, especially when personal data is involved. Tell consumers how you secure their data when filling out your privacy policy template. Mention that no change over the internet is totally secure. Even though you enforce strict security measures, you cannot guarantee absolute security. A privacy policy can ensure customers that using your credit card payment gateway is safe.
Changes
Companies grow and evolve on a regular basis. With this growth, comes change that might include your privacy policies. Make sure that your consumers are aware that your policy can change, update, and more. You should also make it a habit to notify your consumers of any and all changes as they happen.
Contact Us
Conclude your privacy statement with a clear description of how consumers can contact you. Whether it’s with questions or concerns about your policy, you should be available to them.
Website Privacy Policy Template
The contents of a website privacy policy can include the following:
- Types of personal information that companies collect
- How companies use and organize personal information
- Whether companies collect ACH payment information
- DTC Advertising and remarketing
- Complaints
- Cookies
- Data retention
- Access to and removal of personal information
- Data transfers and processing
- Personal identifiers from browsing activity
This template can be used for a variety of business types. The points above are suitable to include in privacy statements for:
- Websites
- E-Commerce sites
- Blogs
- Hotels
- Non-profit organizations
- Service providers
- Web hosting providers
eCommerce Privacy Policy Template
Privacy policies for eCommerce stores detail the types of data that they collect and more. There are a few factors to consider when creating your policy. These factors are based on the way you advertise, the kind of products you sell, your customer base, and more.
When it’s time to decide what to include in your eCommerce privacy statement, start by making a list. Below is a general guideline or free privacy policy template that you can follow.
The Kind of Information You Collect
Be as specific as possible when stating the kind of information you collect from visitors and customers. Explain why you collect the data and how you use it.
Cookie Policies
Companies should also touch base on any data that might be left on a user’s computer. Some businesses use cookies to track the viewing habits of their users. Inform that they also might have an option to avoid cookies.
Sharing Data
In some cases, you might share consumer data. In order to do this, you have to comply with the laws and regulations. You should also inform your consumers about any data sharing.
How You Collect, Share, and Sell Data
Consumers want to know the specifics of what you do with their information. Explain how you plan to collect, share, and even sell their data. Include options for them to opt-out of having their information shared.
Add a clause to your privacy policy that states any third-party monitoring that goes on. This can include YouTube, Google Analytics, AdSense, and more.
The Ability to Modify or View Information
When you hold onto someone’s information, they might want some kind of access to it. Add a section that specifies how consumers can review the information you collected. Explain how they can add, change, or update existing information.
The consumer should also have a way to opt-out of data sharing. Provide steps on how someone can delete their own personal information if they want to.
Age Restrictions
If your website is not suitable for minors or people under a certain age, be sure to specify this in your policy. Add a clause that states any information that is collected from individuals under age 13 will be deleted.
Contact Information
Add your contact information to your privacy statement. This can help ensure that people can reach you with questions or concerns about their privacy.
Effective Date
Your privacy policy should be up to date. Include an effective date and a date that says when you last updated your policy.
Generic Privacy Policy Template for Blog
Some blogs might collect personal data. In this case, they’ll need a privacy notice of their own. Each privacy notice should answer the following questions:
- What kind of personal data do you collect from me?
- How do you use my personal data?
- Do you share my personal data? If so, with whom?
- How do I opt out of cookies?
You might want to customize your policy for each blog site. This can ensure that each site has a privacy statement that suits it.
Contact Forms
Detailed privacy policies have contact sections. Provide consumers with ways to contact you with questions and more.
Analytics Section
Bloggers tend to use Google Analytics and cookies to track their visitors. If this is the case for your blog, be sure to disclose that.
Data Sharing
Even if you don’t share data with third parties, you should still have this section in your policy. Mention whether you do or not. If you do, be sure to include how you share the data, why, and with whom.
Data Retention
State how long you retain the data you collect from your visitors. Explain how you get rid of it once the time is up.
Visitor Rights
Explain to your visitors that they have rights when it comes to their data. This includes accessing, updating, and maintaining it.
Data Protection
All the data you collect should be protected. Visitors want to know that you’re protecting their information. Inform them of anti-spam and all security measures you have. State your use for reputable hosts and more.
Privacy Policy Template For Small Business
A privacy policy is a legal requirement for most businesses, even small ones. With a solid one in place, you can avoid fines and liabilities. It can also show your consumers that you’re serious about protecting their information.
Each privacy statement should be user-friendly. Use a template or a privacy policy generator to create your own that is custom to your business.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Privacy Policy Templates
What Is a Privacy Policy Template?
A privacy policy template is a sample document that you can use to help guide you when drafting up your own privacy policy for your website. It outlines the specifics of how a website collects, shares, uses, and sells personal information from its users.
Where Should I Put My Privacy Policy on My Website?
The ideal place to put a privacy policy on a website is in the footer. The footer of a website is a common place for companies to put their privacy policies so it’s natural for users to look for it there. This is also perfect because it complies with international privacy laws.
Are Privacy Policies Free to Make?
Yes, you can make a privacy policy for free using a privacy policy generator. Apps and websites are available to make you the ideal privacy policy for your website.