It’s 2018. A brand new year.
So let’s try some honesty.
Do you absolutely trust that little privacy policy box that pops up on websites? People are by nature distrustful. Really it has nothing to do with you or your site…most of the time.
There’s just this distinct voice at the back of our minds when it comes to giving out personal information.
It is our policy to respect your privacy regarding any information we may collect while operating our website
Do you believe this statement? We could hazard a guess. NO!
Now that we’ve successfully raised doubt in your mind, we’ll proceed to answer some of the questions we imagine you already have
So why do you assume people who visit your site will automatically believe your statement of secrecy?
That should be a FAQ No 1. Okay we make it a bonus
Bonus Answer: Because you aren’t thinking like them.
Cautious people who have a distaste for how intrusive the web is but can’t seem to stay away aren’t likely to believe your intentions about their privacy. But they’ll give you their details anyway because you’ve got something they want.
It’s important to note at this point, that you are not legally required to provide your audience with your privacy policy, but to successfully grow your business, your target audience has to trust you.
How do you begin the process? You let them know they can trust you.
Now to the real FAQs
- What are cookies and why should I include them in my Privacy Policy?
Cookies are small pieces of text you send as files to the computer or devices used by your website visitors. Their devices send these cookies back to your website every time they visit. The purpose is simple and smart. So your website can recognize them when they visit again.
If you recognize them and their browsing pattern, you can keep them coming back by showing them what they want to see and eventually convert them to paying customers.
And yes. You have to ask for permission from your site visitors before you enable the cookies.
More answers:
- No, cookies are not viruses, spyware, malware, or any other type of ware (get the joke?)
- No cookies are not programs. They do not install themselves or run
- No cookies can’t see what’s on anybody’s computer
Next!
- I have a mobile app. Any best practices?
Do you collect information on your mobile app? Is the answer yes? You do need a privacy policy.
Now to the best practice bit. It is considered a good practice to link your privacy policy from within the app and from the app store.
Reason for this: Before your users download the app at all, they should understand your data collection practices so they can make up their minds on whether they want to use your app or not.
An extra bonus? Place your privacy policy link on the promotional website for your mobile app. It won’t hurt. All you are doing is creating several touchpoints, which is good for believability.
- We have a Facebook page for our business. Do we need a privacy policy too?
No.
It’s a pretty short answer. A simple Facebook page or group for that matter does not need a privacy policy. BUT, if for some reason you begin to request the information of your followers, Facebook does require you disclose this statement:
If you collect content and information directly from users, you will make it clear that you (and not Facebook) are collecting it, and you will provide notice about and obtain user consent for your use of the content and information that you collect. Regardless of how you obtain content and information from users, you are responsible for securing all necessary permissions to reuse their content and information.
- Can we share the information gathered with our partners?
And this is how we begin to betray the trust…or are we?
Not if you state right in your privacy policy that you will be sharing the information with a third party. Of course that reduces the number of people who will go on to interact with your platform but those who choose to stay do so because they are really convinced about what you are offering.
You may have to share this information if you plan to merge with another company or if your business is being acquired. Regardless of the transaction that is about to occur, the privacy of your customers is ultimate and you have to protect it.
- For how long do we have to honour the privacy policy?
Ideally, it should be for as long as you have their personal information.
But in some instances, it could depend heavily on your organization and policies. Is there an effective date for the privacy policy? Will your policy state that your organization will honour your promise in the future?
Will you promise customers to notify them if you change your privacy policy and will they get a chance to opt out?
Answer these questions and you can determine if there is a time frame on adhering to your privacy policy.
FAQs about drafting your privacy policy
- We have a lot of products. Can we use the same policy for all of them?
Does each product collect information differently? Do they have different uses for the information they collect? Are they processed differently?
If your answer is yes to the above question, then you need different policies especially if they are mobile apps. Let people know exactly what they are signing up for.
- Any relationship between our organization’s privacy practices and our website’s privacy policy?
Your website reflects the offerings of your organization right?
In the same vein, your organization’s privacy policies must align with your privacy practices to avoid any legal implications.
Determine what information your organization uses before drafting your policy. Ask for the information needed only.
Do you have more questions you would like us to answer? Please ask us in the comment section!
If you need a properly done privacy policy, you should check this out