In the vast and (sometimes boring) world of online privacy, two documents stand out as fundamental pillars: the cookie policy and the privacy policy. 'Aren’t they the same thing?' you might ask while sipping your coffee. Well, no! They are close cousins, but with decidedly different personalities.
If you’ve ever wondered what sets them apart and why your website needs both, you’re in the right place. Grab another coffee (or a herbal tea, if you prefer), and discover everything in this simple yet brilliant guide.
Privacy policy: the love letter to personal data
The Privacy Policy is like an open letter to your users: it tells them what you do with their personal data and how you take care of it.
It’s a legal obligation that turns you from just a business into a true privacy champion.
Key elements of the privacy policy
In the privacy policy, you need to provide the user with a clear and detailed explanation about:
- Data controller: the entity responsible for all decisions regarding the processing of personal data and who bears the main compliance obligations with current regulations.
- Types of data collected: name, email address, payment information, IP address, etc.
- Purpose of processing: why are the data collected? For marketing, customer support, or billing?
- Legal basis: is the processing based on consent, a contract, or legal obligations?
- Sharing methods: are personal data shared with third parties? If so, with whom and for what purposes? For example, an e-commerce website must state in the privacy policy that data will be shared with a courier for product delivery.
- User rights: such as the right to access, correct, delete, transfer, and object to processing.
- Data retention period: how long will the data be stored?
Remember: being transparent is good for both your reputation and your wallet. You avoid fines, and users see you as a serious and reliable company. Win-win.
For more details “How to create an effective privacy policy: step-by-step guide for your website”.
Don’t know where to start? Try the Avacy legal document generator now.
Try nowWhat is a cookie policy?
The Cookie Policy is a specific document that explains how your website uses cookies and similar technologies to collect information about users. It is mandatory if your site uses non-essential cookies , such as those for marketing or analytics.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files that your site leaves in the user’s browser. Cookies can be used for various purposes, such as:
- Technical cookies: the good and essential ones, which make the site work.
- Analytics cookies: "Hey, 50% of users clicked here!"
- Marketing cookies: The ones that spy a little, but always with permission (hopefully).
For more details: “What are cookies and what types exist”
Key elements of the cookie policy:
- Description of the cookies used: technical, analytical, and profiling cookies.
- Purpose: why are they used? (e.g., to improve user experience or personalize advertising).
- Consenso dell’utente: deve essere ottenuto per tutti i cookie non essenziali.
- Cookie management: how the user can enable or disable cookies
In Europe, the main regulations are the ePrivacy Directive and the GDPR, which require explicit consent for non-essential cookies.
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Try nowHow does consent work?
When it comes to accepting the processing of personal data (as stated in the privacy policy), consent is given through the so-called “point and click” method, by clicking on a specific checkbox or button that confirms acceptance.
Consent must be requested for:
- General marketing activities
- User profiling
- Sharing data with third parties
For cookies, the situation is different. In this case, the user expresses consent by performing a specific action indicated in the cookie banner.
If you need to publish a privacy policy that complies with regulations, take a look at our guide on how to generate it correctly!
Manage GDPR consent with the solution for privacy and cookie controls
Discover AvacyThe Difference in Brief (or almost)
The main difference between a privacy policy and a cookie policy concerns the type of data they address.
The privacy policy describes how personal data voluntarily provided by users is managed, such as when filling out a contact form, creating an account, or placing an order online. It includes information on data processing, purposes, and user rights in accordance with the GDPR and local regulations.
The cookie policy, on the other hand, focuses on browsing data automatically collected through cookies and similar technologies while the user is using the site. It specifies which cookies are used, their purpose, and what information they track, in compliance with the ePrivacy Directive and GDPR.
In the table below, you'll find a detailed comparison between the two documents:
- Purpose: The privacy policy describes the processing of personal data, while the cookie policy informs about the use of cookies.
- Ambito: Scope:
- Base legale: la privacy policy si basa sul GDPR e altre normative locali; la cookie policy segue la direttiva ePrivacy e il GDPR.
- Obbligatorietà: la privacy policy è sempre necessaria per raccogliere dati personali, mentre la cookie policy è obbligatoria solo se si usano cookie non essenziali.
- Contenuto principale: la privacy policy include il tipo di dati raccolti, le finalità e i diritti dell’utente, mentre la cookie policy si focalizza sui tipi di cookie, i loro scopi e come gestirli.
Understanding this difference is essential for complying with regulations and ensuring transparency for website users.
Why are they both important?
Because they are like two guardians of your online business reputation. The Privacy Policy protects you from bad press and legal sanctions, while the Cookie Policy tells your users: "Hey, everything's under control here, no surprises!"
And who wants to receive astronomical fines or drive customers away? No one, exactly.
Where to place the links to the privacy and cookie policies
According to the GDPR, it's essential to ensure that users have easy and immediate access to information about how their personal data is managed and how cookies are used. To ensure this transparency, it is recommended to place the links to the Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy in clearly visible areas of the website.
A common practice is to include the links to the privacy policy and cookie policy in the footer of every page on the site. This ensures that users can access this information from any section of the website.
Additionally, during the user's first visit to the site, it's advisable to display an informational banner about the use of cookies. This banner should include direct links to both the cookie policy and the privacy policy, allowing users to learn more about how their data is managed and which cookies are being used.
Try Avacy's Cookie Banner now!
Try nowAvacy: the easy solution for privacy
Managing cookie policies and privacy policies can seem like a bureaucratic nightmare, but Avacy is here to save you. With our Consent Management Platform (CMP), you can:
- Create customized documents, no headaches involved.
- Collect consents like a true professional.
- Relax knowing you’re 100% compliant with regulations.
Come on, wouldn’t it be nice to sleep soundly knowing your business is safe? We think so.
Conclusion
La Accept the and the cookie policy non sono solo obblighi legali, ma strumenti di trasparenza e fiducia. Se vuoi distinguerti nel mare di competitor, è il momento di prenderti cura della privacy dei tuoi utenti con stile.
If you need expert help, visit Avacy Solution and discover how we can make everything easier. Because being compliant doesn’t have to be boring… and with us, it won’t be!
