Update Your Privacy Policy Disclaimers On Websites
Update Your Privacy Policy Disclaimers On Websites
With the increases in online activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, business owners should review and update their privacy policy disclaimers on their websites. More people are shopping online and conducting most of their business online to avoid going out. However, some companies have not reviewed their privacy policy disclaimers since they created their websites. With an increase in web traffic, it is a good time to ensure that your privacy policy complies with all state, federal, and international privacy laws.
What Is a Privacy Policy Disclaimer?
The privacy policy for your website covers matters related to data collection. It is a detailed explanation of how your website collects, uses, transmits, stores, and destroys information collected from users. It covers information that users may provide to your website and information you collect through tracking technologies, digital analytics software, and cookies.
A privacy policy also describes the steps your company takes to protect the information you collect. Cybersecurity issues are not subject to various consumer protection and international laws. Failing to protect a user’s information could result in a costly legal matter.
When Should You Update Your Privacy Policy?
Your website’s privacy policy is not a “one and done” document. Business owners should schedule regular reviews of their website privacy policy.
However, some circumstances and situations call for an immediate review of your website privacy policy. Examples of situation that should trigger a review and possible update include, but are not limited to:
- Updates and changes in laws and regulations related to data practices and consumer privacy
- Introduction of new services or products that could trigger additional legal requirements related to privacy and data collection
- Adding new functions to your website, such as allowing customers to link their social media sites or use PayPal as a payment option
- Whenever you change how you process, use, store, or collect data from users
- Changes that allow third parties to collect user information
If you make a substantial change in your privacy policy, you need to send an update notice to website users, customers, and clients. Users must consent to your privacy policy for the policy to be effective. However, consenting to a prior version of your privacy policy does not necessarily mean the user consents to the changes.
Sending a notice of privacy policy changes notifies users that you have changed the policy. It notifies them of the changes and updates, and how those changes and updates could impact them. The users then have the opportunity to consent or decline to the updated privacy policies.
Most websites send an email to notify users of changes to their privacy policy. They may also add a pop-up notice on the website to ensure that everyone visiting the website receives notice of the changes.
Do I Need to Hire an Attorney to Make Changes to My Privacy Policy?
Unless you understand the legal requirements for a privacy policy and your legal obligations and duty to protect data, you may want to consult a Florida business law attorney. Privacy policy templates available online may not address specific issues relevant to your business.
Business lawyers understand the legal requirements for website privacy policies and how to protect your company from legal liability.
Contact Our Coral Springs Business Law Attorney for Additional Information
Business lawyer Matthew Fornaro represents business owners and companies throughout Broward County. Our legal team handles all business law matters.
If you have questions concerning your legal obligations to protect the information you gather online and through other sources, we can help.
Contact us online or call 954-324-3651 to schedule an appointment to discuss how we can help you with your business law matters.
