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Why Every Website Needs a Privacy Policy

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If your business has a website, you need a privacy policy. It’s not just a “nice-to-have” or something only big companies worry about. It’s a legal requirement in many cases, and more importantly, it shows your customers that you respect and protect their personal information.


This post will explain what a privacy policy is, why it matters (especially in Canada), and what it needs to include to keep your business compliant and trustworthy.


What is a Privacy Policy?

A privacy policy is a legal document that explains how your website collects, uses, stores, and shares personal information.


It covers things like:

  • What information you collect (names, emails, IP addresses, etc.)

  • How you collect it (forms, cookies, analytics, etc.)

  • Why you collect it (marketing, customer service, etc.)

  • Who you share it with (email platforms, ad networks, etc.)

  • How users can access or delete their data

  • How you protect their data


If your website has a contact form, newsletter sign-up, Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, or uses cookies, you’re collecting data, and you need a privacy policy.


Canadian Law: PIPEDA Compliance

In Canada, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) applies to most private-sector organizations.


Under PIPEDA, you must:

  • Get meaningful consent before collecting personal information

  • Use information only for the purposes stated

  • Allow individuals to access and correct their data

  • Take reasonable steps to safeguard the information

  • Be transparent about your privacy practices, typically via a privacy policy


Even if you’re a small business, these rules apply if you collect personal information in the course of commercial activity. If your site serves international visitors, you may also need to comply with other laws like the EU’s GDPR or California’s CCPA.


What Happens If You Don’t Have One?

  • You risk legal non-compliance

  • You could lose customer trust

  • You may be denied ad access (Meta and Google require policies)

  • Website platforms like Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace may restrict features


Don’t assume you’re “too small” to need one. Privacy laws don’t just target big corporations, they apply to any business that collects user data.


What to Include in Your Privacy Policy

Here’s what a basic Canadian privacy policy should cover:

  1. Types of information collected (e.g., names, emails, IP addresses)

  2. How it’s collected (forms, cookies, analytics tools, etc.)

  3. Why you collect it (to respond to inquiries, send newsletters, track behaviour, etc.)

  4. Who you share it with (e.g., Mailchimp, Google, Meta)

  5. How data is stored and protected (e.g., encryption, secure servers)

  6. How users can access or update their info

  7. Contact information for privacy-related inquiries


Optional but useful:

  • Info on cookie usage and how to manage preferences

  • Third-party links disclaimer (if you link to other sites)

  • Clear last updated date


How to Create a Privacy Policy

You don’t have to write it all from scratch, but you do need to make sure it reflects your actual practices.


Your options:

  • Use a privacy policy generator (check out Termly, Iubenda, or Shopify’s free tool)

  • Consult a legal professional (especially if you collect sensitive data)

  • Customize a reliable template and update it regularly


🚨 Pro Tip: Don’t copy/paste someone else’s policy. It may not reflect your actual data practices, which can create more risk than having no policy at all.



Compliance Builds Trust

A privacy policy isn’t just about legal coverage; it shows your audience that you take their data and trust seriously. It’s one of those backend details that make your brand feel professional, credible, and ready for growth.


Ready to get started? Book your FREE discovery call here, and let’s chat about how we can support your website growth—the right way.


 
 
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