You’ve probably seen privacy and cookies policy pop up countless times while browsing other websites. Likely, you might have simply clicked ‘accept’ to make it go away, as many people do. But what does privacy and cookies policy mean for your business and website? Why is it so important to implement and what are your responsibilities? It’s a key consideration for any business that collects data, whether through tracking browsing habits, keeping a database of email contacts or purchase details. Failing to comply with data protection and privacy laws could result in legal action and losing your customer’s trust in your business. Here’s what you need to know…
Privacy policy
In the UK, there are two regulations that your privacy policy must comply with – Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR. You will find further guidance on each of these if you follow the links. There should be a clear and easy to find privacy policy section on your website, so your customers know exactly how their data will be processed. Not only is this a legal requirement, it also reinforces trust in your site visitors and creates a great impression of your business.
Cookies policy
Cookies are small files that are sent from your website and are used to store user’s information. They can be great for analysing your browsing experience and sending targeted ads. Contrary to some misconceptions about them, they don’t actually store personal details like your name, address etc. Rather, they are used to track your browsing session and can be used to improve user experience, as well as inviting you back onto the site. Your cookie policy should include:
- The type of cookies used on the site
- How the information is collected and used
- What options do site visitors have
Just like with privacy policy, if you fail to disclose these, you could face liability.
Privacy and cookies policy that works for your business
There are plenty of privacy and cookies policy templates online, however, it is important that these are tailored to your business and your unique way of handling data. Additionally, you should be aware of where your visitors come from. Each country will have their own data protection laws that you must comply with if your users are outside of the UK. Ideally, you should sit down with a specialist to make sure that you have ticked all boxes. Again, this is a crucial part of setting up your website not only to maintain your reputation but also to protect your customers.
We can help!
Our team at MacMartin regularly works with clients across industries like education, medicine, security and more. We have a great insight into the importance of data protection as a result. If you’re unsure whether your privacy and cookies policy needs updating, chat to us today. We can also help you make the most out of the data! Using thorough research and years of industry experience, we can create personalised, targeted marketing strategy that suits your business.
