Privacy Policy Template
A tool to get you started

This template was developed as a useful, easy-to-use tool for Web sites that do not currently have a privacy policy, or who do not have a complete policy. It is an outline for a general purpose Web site and is not intended to cover every legal compliance requirement for companies subject to regulation, such as financial companies, businesses with access to medical information or those engaged in marketing to children. Eventually, we may add such specialized templates. If you need these, please email us at info@perfectlyprivate.com and let us know that you would like us to add them. Additional information is also available in our children's privacy and medical privacy sections. PrivacyBot and other privacy organizations offer excellent templates, as well.

The following privacy policy template is to be used as a guide, and you will edit your own text to properly inform visitors about your unique situation. This template is intended to help you cover the major items that should be disclosed in a good general privacy policy. Remember to keep language simple and clear. A brief introductory summary helps site visitors understand you major principles quickly.

Introduction
COMPANY NAME respects each individual’s right to personal privacy.  We will collect and use information through our Web site only in the ways disclosed in this statement.  This statement applies solely to information collected at COMPANY NAME’s Web site.

Part I.  Information Collection
COMPANY NAME collects information through our Web site at several points.  We collect the following information about primary visitors: [list types of personally identifiable information].

We may also collect [types of personally identifiable information] which our users divulge about other people, [such as referrals or gift purchases.] COMPANY NAME does not actively market to children, and we never knowingly ask a child under 13 to divulge personal information.

We collect the following general data that is not personally identifiable information [list].  We collect demographic data in order to [explain reason].

We verify the accuracy of this information by [explain verification procedure].

We collect this information through [describe collection methods, such as registration forms, clickstream tracking, automatic logging files, and so on.  Describe what information is collected through each method].  The information is collected [voluntarily or involuntarily].   To receive our products and services, [type of information] is mandatory because [explain reason].  Other information we request is optional. 

We [do or do not] employ cookies. A cookie is a small text file that our Web server places on a user’s computer hard drive to be a unique identifier. Cookies enable COMPANY NAME to track usage patterns and deliver customized content to users.  Our cookies [do or do not] have an expiration date. Our cookies [do or do not] collect personally identifiable information.  [If so, list what and why.]

Banner advertising appearing on our Web site may collect the following information: [list what and how it is collected].  Third parties collect the following information at our Web site [list types of information].

Part II.  Information Usage.
The information collected by COMPANY NAME will be used for [list all specific purposes].  Users who provide information will receive [list products, services, email announcements or advertisements]. 

Registered users [will or will not] receive additional announcements from us about products, services, special deals, and a newsletter. Out of respect for the privacy of our users we present the option to not receive these types of communications.

The information we collect [will or will not] be used to create customer profiles based on browsing or purchasing history.  We [will or will not] supplement information collected at our Web site with data from other sources [such as credit history to authorize purchases].

We may share data with the following third parties: [list, including shipping companies, credit card companies, and so on].  These third parties will use the information as follows: [list all specific purposes].  Users may [opt in or opt out] to have their information shared with third parties.

We offer links to other Web sites.  Please note: When you click on links to other Web sites, we encourage you to read their privacy policies.  Their standards may differ from ours.

Our Web site offers [chats, forums or message boards].  Please be advised that information posted in these venues becomes public knowledge. 

If our policy on information collection or uses changes, will advise you by [explain means of communications and time frame].

Part III.  Access to Information
COMPANY NAME maintains the accuracy of our information by [explain procedure].  Users may access their own personal information and contact us about inaccuracies they may find.  [Explain how.]  Users may delete their information from our database by [explain procedure and time frame].

Part IV. Problem Resolution
If problems arise, users may contact COMPANY NAME by [list methods].  We are committed to resolving disputes within [time frame].

Part V. Data Storage and Security
COMPANY NAME protects user information with the following security measures: [describe security protocols, secure servers, firewalls, SSL encryption and other technology and procedures used to protect consumer privacy].