Legal Tips 101: Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions
By Cory Sterling, guest blogger, lawyer, and founder of Conscious Counsel
As the wellness industry has changed over the last year and a half, operating online has become an essential element of running a versatile and pandemic-proof business.
If you’re like most people, the law is the last thing you want to deal with. It can be confusing, intimidating, and stressful. It’s tempting to sweep it under the rug and hope and pray nothing ever happens to you…
Yet with the industry shifting to the online space, governments are cracking down on the rules around how business owners can legally use and collect data.
Data breaches happen. Lawsuits happen. So, how can you be proactive and put adequate protection in place? Let’s break down everything you need to know about protecting your business online with a privacy policy, and terms and conditions (T & C).
What is a Privacy Policy?
A privacy policy is a statement or legal document (in privacy law) that discloses some or all of the ways a party gathers, uses, discloses, and manages a customer or client’s data.
Since websites collect user information, you’ll want to be open and honest about what you’re going to do with it and where you’re keeping it. This gives web visitors a choice about the personal information they share and helps them avoid ‘spam’.
Do you need a Privacy Policy?
If you operate your business online, collect third-party payments (Stripe, PayPal, etc.), have an email list, or collect customer information (clients, leads, etc.) then both, privacy policy, and terms and conditions are essential. As our society has shifted to the age of data, governments are cracking down on:
- Intellectual property
- Collecting personal information
- Meeting regulatory standards
- Ensuring consumer info is protected and collected fairly
What comprises of Terms & Conditions?
As a kid, before playing a board game, do you remember reading the instructions on how to play it? Well, terms and conditions are like that rule book.
T & C comprises of the rules your visitors must agree to while using your website, and buying your products and services. Since your website does all the talking for you, you must ensure it says the right things to protect you and your business.
The common items found in terms and conditions, or terms of service are:
- Copyright
- Purpose
- Links to third-party websites
- License to use materials
- Limitation of liability
- Disclaimers
- No guarantees
Are you protected? Time for the law to work for you!
You’ve dealt with multiple changes in your business over the last year and a half. How can you ensure you are adhering to best practices regarding privacy policy and data protection and not worry about getting sued or unintentionally breaking the law?
You will need to have a professional and customized privacy policy and T & C in place. Check out this video here to learn what to include in your privacy policy and T & C.
Now that you know what to do with privacy policy and T & C, you need the right tools to manage and grow your business. Want to learn more about how WellnessLiving can help? Book a free, no-commitment demo today!
For more visit Conscious Counsel.
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