The ePrivacy Directive and the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) significantly influence the way Web Sites may use cookies to track visitors from the European Union. The creation of a privacy policy is a fundamental legal obligation for all websitesincluding small blogs or businesses. If your site collects personal information from visitors, they must be properly informed.
In this guide, you will discover the importance of the privacy policy and how to make sure your website is compliant.
What is a Privacy Policy?
A Privacy Policyor privacy policy, is a document specifying what personal data you are collecting, I purpose of this collection and how you protect such data. It is essential that your information is easily accessible to your users and drafted in a clear and comprehensible languageon pain of heavy fines or legal action.
What is Personal Data?
I personal data include any information capable of identifying an individualdirectly or in combination with other data. This includes names, email addresses, location, IP addresses, photos and bank data. Details on health, income, religion or culture are also considered personal data. In the digital context, it is crucial to note that the cookieswhich track users' browsing activity, are considered personal data.
Need for a Privacy Policy for My Web Site
If your website collects personal datayou need a statement informing your users. Most websites collect user data, often by means of cookies, even without the site owner's knowledge. If your website uses hosting, plug-in, social media buttons or analytical tools, you are probably setting cookies and collecting data considered personal by the GDPR.
Obtaining a Privacy Policy for Your Web Site
Lprivacy policy can be set up as a separate page on your website, accessible via links in the header or footer. It can also be hosted by an external privacy policy service. In any case, it is important that your users can easily access them. Since it is a legal document, its content will depend on the laws to which you are subject and the way your site handles data.
GDPR Compliant Privacy Policy Templates and Generators
There are different models and tools to create privacy documentssome are free, others charge a fee. For example Avacy is a consent management platform which, responding to simple questions, is able to generate privacy policy for your website in automatic.
It is important to customise these templates to the specific needs of your site and make sure they comply with applicable laws. Remember, an inadequate privacy policy can be just as problematic as not having one.
Requirements for a GDPR and ePrivacy Compliant Policy
L'Article 12 of the GDPR requires that the information on the processing of personal data are communicated in a manner concise, transparent, clear and easily accessible. Privacy laws generally require informing users about:
- Name and contact details of the data controller
- Types of personal data collected
- Methods and purposes of data collection
- Data protection measures
- Opt-in and opt-out options for users
Cookie Management and Privacy Policy
Unlike other forms of data collection, cookies operate in the background and can track various information for indefinite periods of time. The GDPR requires that theinformation on the use of cookies either specification and accurate. Solutions such as Avacy can help manage this complexity by performing regular scans of your site and updating the cookie section of your privacy policy.
In summary, a GDPR-compliant Privacy Policy and the ePrivacy Directive è essential for each website that processes personal data. Make sure your information is updated, points out e easily accessible to ensure the compliance e protect both your users and your site from the legal consequences.
Find out how Avacy's services can assist you in this task.
