The answer is yes.
Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, nor am I offering legal advice. I feel it is important to share what I am learning, and the importance of having a Privacy Policy on your website. The information provided in this post does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available are for general informational purposes only. Consult an attorney for legal advice and guidance.
What does a Privacy Policy do?
A Privacy Policy helps website owners comply with privacy laws by providing specific disclosure requirements, such as how their website collects, uses, and discloses personal information.
In simple terms, it informs the visitors of your website about the information you (and third-party applications) collect about them, why it is collected, and what is done with it.
Do you have a Contact Us form?
Most websites out there in the wonderful world-wide web have a Contact Us page. It is a quick and easy way for us to express our desire to assist potential and current customers. Have a question, fill out this form and send me a message. According to what I have read from reliable sources, by collecting names, emails, and their message, you are required to have a Privacy Policy.
While a Privacy Policy may not seem important, if you do not have one or if it is not up-to-date with current laws, you may be in violation.
It was during a phone conversation with Hans, of Termageddon*, I gained a deeper understanding of one of the key elements: it does not matter where your business or desk (for all you bloggers) is located. What matters is the location of the website visitor.
What about those lead magnets?
I am going to flip the dialog on lead magnets. Let’s say you discover on social media a workshop that someone is offering for free. You know it is a lead magnet to collect your email address and increase their newsletter recipient numbers. In short, you engage in exchanging your email address for their wisdom. After all, that workshop is very enticing!
How many ebooks have you collected over the years by signing up for it on someone’s website? I cannot tell you how many times I have submitted my personal information.
Now that I am becoming aware of Privacy Policies, I am curious. What did they (the collectors), or are they, do with my name and email? Did they sell or share it? Is that why I’m getting odd emails from someone else?
When I take the time to read their Privacy Policy, I can learn about their intentions.
The rapidly changing Privacy laws are intended to protect the residents of a particular state, country, or continent.
And those inquisitive forms, online courses, etc.?
This is why it is wise to research the best option for you, your website, and your visitors.
Over the years, the two agencies I have acquired privacy policies, and used on my websites, are from BobbyKlink.com and Termageddon*.
If your website collects personal information from people, organizations, and businesses from various states or countries, you may need to comply with multiple privacy laws and provide the specific disclosures required under each one. Do your research; the laws are rapidly changing.
*Affiliate link (view Disclaimer).
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