PRIVACY:

The privacy policy is one of the essential legal requirements for web pages.

Even if you just run a small business or blog without any income, you may be surprised to find that you still need a privacy policy.

Basically, if your website collects personal data, you need a privacy policy that informs your users of this fact in accordance with privacy laws in most jurisdictions, including the EU and the United States.

Check if your website complies with the new law thanks to  Cookiebot 's automatic scanner .

Almost all modern websites work with the use of cookies, so the chances are high that your website is collecting personal data, for example, for statistical, functional or marketing purposes.

Learn below what a privacy policy is and how to get one for your website.

What is a privacy policy?

A privacy policy is a document that states what personal data you are collecting from your users, why, and how you keep it private.

The purpose of the privacy policy is to inform its users about how their data is being handled. Therefore, the privacy policy should be accessible to users and available in simple, easy-to-read language.

Most countries  have privacy laws that require websites that collect personal data to have a privacy policy in place.

Failure to comply with these laws can result in severe penalties and even indictment.

What is personal data?

Personal  data  is a type of information through which an individual can be identified, either directly or when it is combined with other data.

Names, email addresses, location, IP addresses, photos and account information are all directly identifying data.

Information about health, income, religion and cultural profiles and the like are also personal data.

Likewise, and key in the current context, data on user behavior is considered personal. Cookies can track and record a specific user's browsing activities, such as which items they skip over and which they choose to click on.

Do I need a privacy policy for my website?

You probably do need it. If your website collects personal user data, you need a privacy policy.

Most websites collect user data. This can often happen without the website owner being aware of it, through  cookies .

If your website is hosted or if you make use of plugins (connectors), links to social networks, analysis tools or the like on your website; sets cookies and collects user data.

With the entry into force of the  GDPR  and the EU directive on  ePrivacy , an appropriate privacy policy is mandatory for websites in the EU and those with users from the EU.

If you are not sure about the use of cookies on your website, you can test and  audit your website for free here .

The free audit scans five pages of your website and sends you a report on the cookies and online tracking of these pages, including information about their origin, purpose and whether or not they comply with the law.

If you want a complete overview of cookies and online tracking that happens on your website, sign up for the Cookiebot solution.

How can I obtain a privacy policy for my website?

The privacy policy may be written as a separate page within your website and accessible as a link in the header or footer of your website, or on the “About Us” page.

It may also be hosted by a private privacy policy service linked from its home page.

Basically no matter where you decide to put it, the point is that your users have access to it.

The privacy policy is a legal text. The format depends on which jurisdictions your website is in and how you handle data.

All websites are different. We always recommend that you consult with an attorney to ensure that your privacy policy complies with all existing laws.

However, this may seem like a lot of spending if, for example, you run a small business or blog in your spare time.

In any case, what you  should never do is copy a privacy policy from another website .

Models, examples and generators of privacy policies in accordance with the RGPD

There are numerous tools for creating privacy policies, privacy policy templates, and privacy policy generators on the internet.

Some are free and others carry a price.

Take a look at this  helpful list of privacy policy generators .