With data breaches and cybercrime constantly making headlines, it essential for every business to ensure that it has a strong secure privacy policy. With Mark Zuckerberg testifying in front of Congress regarding privacy policies, you can be sure that agencies are taking this issue very seriously.
What is a Privacy Policy?
A privacy policy should be readable on your website and it outlines and informs the public of the following:
- What data you collect from consumers or website users
- How you use that data
- Steps you have taken to protect that data
If your business has any presence online at all, it is likely a wise idea to have an easily accessible secure privacy policy. In some cases, many laws may require that your business has a security and privacy policy. While privacy policies may be voluntary for other businesses, is it often important to have one from a public policy standpoint.
Act in Accordance With Your Privacy Policy
Simply having a privacy policy posted is not enough and this should not be an empty promise. You should always budget funds to take the security measures that are reasonably necessary to stand by your policy. Abiding by your policy and adequately protecting consumer data not only keeps your customers happy, but also avoids civil penalties or legal liability should a breach occur.
Like businesses, privacy policies are not one-size-fits-all. You should carefully consider each aspect of your privacy policy and should never hesitate to consult with a skilled business attorney who understands privacy and security laws and requirements. Generally speaking, however, the following are important to consider for many businesses:
- Warn website visitors how you collect, store, and use cookies
- It is often wise to inform customers that their information will only be used for the current transaction in question. You may want to get written and informed consent if you intend to sell data or use it in any other way.
- Give customers information they need to make a grievance or complaint should they have an issue with how their data was used.
- Under the law, you must tell website users how they can opt out of your privacy policies. If you do not, you may face civil or even criminal penalties.
- Know the unique protections for children who are 13 and younger that are required by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection.
Having a privacy policy and enforcing it can save your business from being in the headlines, which can make the public wary of using your website or providing information for transactions. This can be more complicated than it seems, however, and you should consider consulting with a legal professional who can provide guidance regarding your specific business.
Call a Houston Business Lawyer to Learn More
A skilled business attorney will be able to advise you regarding all relevant federal and Texas laws with which you must comply. If you have any questions or legal concerns, please do not wait to call The Weisblatt Law Firm at (713) 666-1981 or contact our office online for more information.
Attorney Andrew Weisblatt
Mr. Weisblatt has practiced continuously since becoming licensed in 1992 and has represented businesses ranging in size from one person start-up ventures to multi-national corporations employing hundreds of people in multiple countries. From 2005 through 2009 Mr. Weisblatt was in-house counsel and chief operating officer of a multi-national corporation in the steel products industry. That in-house position provided valuable insight into how businesses work and what they actually need from their lawyers – both in-house and outside counsel. Attorney Bio
