Why You Need To Review And Update Your Privacy Policy
Est. reading time 3 minutes
If you’ve visited a website at any point in the past few months, you will probably have been prompted with a window asking whether or not you want to ‘accept cookies’ or something with similar wording. This reflects the new model when it comes to online privacy and security.
In recent years there has been a sea of changes in online regulation when it comes to how you collect and use your customers' data. Meaning businesses are expected to do more, and are more strictly monitored, when it comes to compliance.
This is especially urgent for small businesses. If you aren’t up to date with all the latest changes, and aware of how they affect your business — you’re at risk. To help, we’ve compiled some of the most important points below, but if you’re unsure of anything — don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Radar Hill and make sure your privacy policy is complete.
Is A Template Enough?
There are many templates out there for compliance warnings and prompts — but there’s no guarantee that they will cover your site. These templates are only suitable for businesses with basic, information only websites, that don’t operate outside of North America.
And, as you read on, you’ll begin to understand why a template carries risks — especially if you aren’t confident in your understanding of privacy policy.
Every Customer Interaction Matters
In this new climate the stringent privacy protections that were once only applied to high-security documents — such as bank applications — are now required for most interactions with customers. Even something as simple as a newsletter or an email enquiry needs to be considered. This means you need a comprehensive privacy policy, one that you can be sure of.
Important Information For Ecommerce Businesses
More than any other business sector, Ecommerce sites require a detailed and comprehensive privacy policy created specifically for them. This is due to the volume of personal information stored from customers, as well as the unique demands of billing and shipping.
Do You Use Google Advertising?
If you want to make the most of your online presence and marketing then you absolutely should be — but, do you understand the implications these services have for your privacy policy? By using Google advertising you’re collecting information on all your customers and using it for marketing purposes — something you need to inform them of in your privacy policy.
3rd Party Data
Many websites collect information and customer data from third-party sources or share their information with a 3rd party. For example, real estate companies will often use inventories and listings from external sites. If this is the case, then you need to ensure this forms a part of your privacy policy.
Don’t Forget EU Law
Does your businesses serve customers or other businesses based in the EU? Or, is it something you’re considering as a future possibility? If so, you need to be aware of the stricter and more heavily regulated EU privacy policies and ensure your compliance with them.
GDPR is something that affects EU citizens, so even if you’re a Canadian company, if you have EU clients, you need to be compliant. See here for more information about GDPR.
Expert Legal Advice
For some businesses with strong security risks and litigation concerns — those holding confidential communications, medical records, and other privileged information — we would strongly suggest seeking out of the services of a lawyer with relevant expertise and experience.
As you can see, your privacy policy is neither a simple nor a trivial matter — it is essential you get it absolutely right, to protect your business and your customers.
At Radar Hill, we aim to provide the complete package for all our clients — which is why you can contact us today to make sure you have the right privacy policy in place. We’re also available to check your current policy and ensure it’s 100% compliant.
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