Do you value your privacy?
Since GDPR kicked in back in 2018, we’ve all become far more aware of privacy laws and data handling – but is your website compliant?
When the new framework for data protection laws took effect on 25 May 2018, the disruption to UK businesses – mostly based around fear and misinterpretation – was seismic.
It seemed everywhere you turned… there were signs claiming you needed to change everything you do about requesting, handling and securing customer data – with many organisations straining under the pressure.
The fact is, many companies today still find it hard to articulate exactly what their policy is and, for small businesses in particular, many just don’t know what their obligations are.
Just one of those legal obligations is the need to have a Privacy Policy on your website.
Now this is tricky for us to write, as it’s often a sticking point with clients to be told that they “have to” have this on their site – particularly if their previous / current web provider has never made them aware of this, so they’re baffled to learn of it. That’s probably why we’re often asked “can’t you just write it for me?”. Sadly, no – but we can help you unravel the mystery of it!
Before we get to that, let’s embrace the good behind this legislation. The regulations were long overdue an update and in this information age we all live in, the majority of people do actually want to know how and where their data is stored and who gets to play with it?
Consumers are more aware than ever of the value of their information – and they will value the companies who treat it, and them, with the deserved respect.
This is great opportunity for your business to stand out by demonstrating how you lovingly care for your customers from the point of first enquiry to latest purchase – by protecting their information at every step.
Choose to turn a blind eye and not “have to” deal with this aspect of your customer experience however, and you risk significant financial fines (see the Information Commissioner’s Office www.ico.org.uk) for failing to comply. MORE THAN THAT, you risk a backlash from an unhappy client and unknown levels of bad publicity that can damage your brand irrevocably.
The good news is, there are dozens of free tools and guidance to support you in this AND writing your own Privacy Policy is not as arduous as you may imagine. It doesn’t necessarily have to be lengthy or complicated, as long as it includes:
- Why you’re processing people’s personal data
- How long you’ll be keeping it for
- Who you’ll be sharing it with.
Keep it simple, easy to read and understand, and have it clearly linked from all pages of your website – especially right beside any enquiry or order forms your customers complete online.
Although having your Privacy Policy done right can be a bonus in establishing trust and transparency with your customers, it can also protect your business should anyone query how you have their information and report this for investigation.
We had one client who was horrified to receive a complaint like this from a recipient of his regular newsletter – and they’d gone directly to ICO to report it. Thankfully, due to the clear display and detail of the Company Privacy Policy online (and tracking of newsletter sign-ups through their website), we were able to support their response to ICO and see the case dismissed.
Don’t let your great-looking website fall at the final hurdle by skipping this vital element.
If there’s any doubt later, you’ll be glad you had it and, in the meantime, your customers will thank you for it.
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