Website Privacy Policy 07.04.

2010

Website Privacy Policy – Legal123.com.au

WEBSITE PRIVACY POLICY: A short legal notice explaining to users of your
website how you will respect their privacy and protect their personal information
when they use your website.

Australian legislation now requires all website owners to post a Website Privacy Policy if
you collect visitor or customer information, such as an email address or credit card details.

From a website visitors’ perspective, the most important fact to convey is that if you
request their email address will not "spam" them, sell, rent or otherwise provide their
email address to a third party.

A Website Privacy Policy should cover the following issues:

 A promise not to "spam", sell or rent a visitor's email address

 Reassurance that it is easy to unsubscribe to any email list
 What personal information you collect on your website and how it is collected
 How the information will be used, stored and kept secure, etc.

A Website Privacy Policy is your opportunity to reassure your website visitors that you are
a reputable business, concerned about their concerns and easy to do business with.

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Website Privacy Policy: More Information & FAQs

What is a Website Privacy Policy?

A Website Privacy Policy is a brief legal notice which states you will not "spam" a visitor's
email address, will respect their privacy and keep secure their personal information.

The collection of personal information via websites has now become common place.
Sometimes this is obvious to a website visitor, for example when subscribing to an email
newsletter. However, sometimes it's less obvious, for example tracking website activity via
browser cookies.

There is now Australian legislation governing the collection and storage of this personal
data, designed to protect website visitors and customers from its misuse. In addition, there
are disclosure requirements that must be followed by website owners, in the form of a
Website Privacy Policy statement.

Do I need a Website Privacy Policy?

Yes. Australian legislation now requires all Australian website owners to post a Website
Privacy Policy if you collect visitor or customer information, such as an email address,
physical address, credit card details, etc.

In addition, since Website Privacy Policies are now becoming very visible parts of websites,
you have an opportunity to differentiate your website from the competition. If your
Website Privacy Policy is professional, easy-to-understand and customer friendly you will
stand out from the crowd and enhance your online business brand.

Online leaders such as Amazon, eBay, YouTube and Google are leading the way – don't get
left behind with a "daggy" looking Website Privacy Policy.

What does Australian legislation require me to do?

Australian legislation on Website Privacy Policies requires you to:

 Tell visitors and customers what personal information you collect

 Tell visitors and customers how you intend to use this information
 Only collect information that is necessary to conduct your business
 If the information is stored, then keep it secure

How is a Website Privacy Policy different from a Website Disclaimer?

A Website Privacy Policy statement is completely different from a Website Disclaimer. A
Website Privacy Policy deals with the collection, confidentiality and security of visitor and
customer information on your website, such as email addresses and browsing activity. A
Website Disclaimer deals with information accuracy, copyright, liability for loss or damage,
website availability, links, etc. Your website should have both.

What happens if I am sued over a Website Privacy Policy issue?

Whilst it is relatively uncommon to be sued in relation to a Website Privacy Policy issue,
there are complaints made regularly to the Privacy Commissioner. The possible outcomes
may range from an apology or requirement to change your business processes to
compensation for any financial loss suffered by the individual.

Posting a well drafted Website Privacy Policy on your website is not sufficient. You need to
stand by it and respect your customers privacy and personal information. The potential
damage to you business from "spamming" your customers, for example, can be huge and
irreversible.

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What risks are there in not having a Website Privacy Policy?

If you collect website visitor or customer information – even something as mundane as an
email address – you need a Website Privacy Policy. Full stop. End of story. It's now the law
and your website needs to comply. Don't cut corners – get a professional Website Privacy
Policy.

Do I need to get legal advice before posting a Website Privacy Policy on my site?
No. Legal requirements are clear and Website Privacy Policies should reflect these through
standard and straightforward language. However, if you are uncertain or have any
concerns about the coverage of the Website Privacy Policy required for your particular
website, you should consult a lawyer.

The Website Privacy Policy which we offer on Legal123.com.au is designed for normal or
standard websites. It does not contemplate or cater for websites that collect very sensitive
personal data or make unusual uses of that personal data, for example dating, survey or
financial services websites.

We hope you found this information on the Website Privacy Policy helpful.

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