Updated by: Junella & Stella
A data privacy policy is important for any website as it details how you collect, use, store, and protect your visitors' and customers' personal information. Implementing this will build trust with your users.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating an effective data privacy policy for your website.
Initiating the Creation of Your Data Privacy Policy
Step 1: Understand the Legal Requirements.
Research and understand the legal requirements relevant to your website, depending on your geographic location and where your users are based.
According to Philippine law, a Website Privacy Policy should include details about the types of personal data collected, the purpose of data collection, how the data is used, data retention practices, user rights, and how users can contact the website for inquiries or complaints. Themis Partner's Privacy Policy template has been carefully drafted to incorporate all the necessary information required by the Data Privacy Act of 2012, providing a transparent and comprehensive framework for website operators to communicate their data practices to users.
Step 2: Define What Personal Data You Collect.
Identify and list all types of personal data your website collects. This can include names, email addresses, IP addresses, and any other user-specific data.
Step 3: Explain How You Collect Data.
Detail the methods used to collect data, such as cookies, registration forms, and user interactions. Take Medium's collection of information as an example.
Step 4: Describe the Purpose of Data Collection.
Clearly specify why you collect personal data, such as improving user experience, marketing purposes, or customer service enhancements. Take Medium's privacy policy as an example.
Step 5: Detail Data Storage and Protection Measures.
Explain how you store and protect the collected data. Mention any encryption, security protocols, and compliance standards you adhere to. General Motors' website does this.
Step 6: Outline the Users’ Rights.
Inform users of their rights regarding their personal data, such as the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of their data. Here is an example of General Motors’ website.
Step 7: Describe Data Sharing Policies.
State if and how you share personal data with third parties. Be clear about the circumstances under which data might be shared. We will use the Shopify website as an example as well.
Step 8: Update and Review Procedures.
Include information on how often you will review and update the policy. Explain how users will be informed of these updates. Here is an example of how Meta informs their site user through articles.
Waiting for Policy Activation
Step 9: Implement the Policy on Your Site.
Ensure your privacy policy is easy to access, preferably from every page of your website, typically in the footer.
Step 10: Promote Transparency.
Encourage transparency by informing users when the policy is updated and providing a summary of the changes in your website. Meta’s website is a good example of this.
Finalizing Your Data Privacy Policy
Step 11: Keep the Policy Active and Enforced.
Regularly review and update the policy to reflect new business practices or changes in privacy legislation. Implementing articles or pop-ups on your website are good ideas.
Step 12: Verify Compliance.
Regularly check to ensure that your website remains compliant with your privacy policy and any applicable laws.
