Some examples of privacy policies include:

• Ecommerce privacy policy for online store: it typically outlines how an online store collects, uses, shares, and protects customer data, including delivery and payment information. It emphasizes transparency in data handling practices and ensures compliance with data protection regulations to build trust with customers.
• Mobile app privacy policy: it describes the collection, use, and sharing of user data by the app, emphasizing data like location, device specifics, and in-app behavior. It focuses on informing users about their data privacy in a mobile context and the specific permissions required by app stores like Apple.
• SaaS platform privacy policy: it details how the service collects, uses, safeguards, and shares user data, focusing on account information, usage data, and security measures. It addresses the unique aspects of software as a service, including data storage, processing, and the rights of users to manage their information.

Yes, an online store typically needs a privacy policy because it very likely collects personal data. Let’s break this down.

A privacy policy is a document in which the data owner (the person or entity that runs the website) outlines the methods and purposes of its data processing to users, i.e. individuals who visit or use the online store.

Under most privacy laws like the GDPR, if the online store collects personal data, the owner must inform users of this fact by way of a privacy policy: it’s required by law and by third-party services it may use.

As you can imagine, it is very probable that your online store collects personal data, during check-out for example. Users are asked to insert things like their home or email address for delivery, as well as their payment information. Furthermore, the need for a privacy policy can be triggered by the presence of a simple contact form, Google Analytics, a cookie or even a social widget on the online store.

The legality of having an online store without a privacy policy largely depends on the jurisdiction in which the store operates and of its customers. Typically, a privacy policy for online store will be legally required when handling the personal data of users in regions with data protection laws like Europe or the United States.

🇪🇺🇬🇧 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Applies to businesses that handle user data in Europe. It requires the inclusion of a privacy policy that discloses the methods of collecting, processing, and storing personal data, along with users’ rights.

🇺🇸 California Privacy Laws (CPRA), Virginia Privacy Laws (VCDPA) and other US State Laws: They apply to businesses that collect data from residents of these States. It requires the inclusion of a privacy policy that mentions personal information collected, how it’s used, with whom it’s shared, if it’s sold, among other things.

💡 Not sure which data privacy laws apply to you? Find out now with our 1-min free quiz!

You can create a privacy policy for your ecommerce website by writing it yourself, using an online ecommerce privacy policy template, a Privacy Policy Generator or plugin, or consulting a legal expert. While you should always pick the option that best fits your business, make sure it is a valid way to write such a legal document. Let’s take a look at each of them.

📌 Do-It-Yourself Approach: At first sight, this approach can be appealing due to its immediate and cost-effective nature. However, we strongly advise against it because of the risk of non-compliance due to potential gaps in legal knowledge. Without specialized legal expertise, drafting a complex and comprehensive legal document, ensuring it complies with all applicable laws, can be challenging and time-consuming. There are other relevant methods that won’t require you to divert valuable resources from other aspects of your business.

📌 Ecommerce Privacy Policy Template: you can find plenty online, and for free. Take a look at our own template here. Overall, it’s a great starting point and basic framework that you can customize according to your business’s specific needs. Be careful though as a sample ecommerce privacy policy is ususally designed to be a one-size-fits-all, which means it will not fully cover the unique aspects of your operations or the specific regulations you need to adhere to. It also might not be updated to reflect the latest legal requirements.

📌 [⭐ Recommended] Ecommerce Privacy Policy Generator: Among the options, a Privacy Policy Generator like iubenda stands out for its balance of quality, customization, ease of use, and compliance capabilities. These tools are specifically designed by legal experts to generate high-quality documents that meet the requirements of major data protection laws. They offer a more personalized approach than templates, allowing you to choose all the clauses related to your business operations and data handling practices. These tools do work on a paid subscription-basis but are much more affordable than hiring a legal expert and are generally updated over time following changes to your online store or the law. 💡 Also know these tools are available through easy-to-use plugins for online store platforms like Shopify.

📌 Legal Consultation: This option can be relevant for businesses that require the highest level of customization and professionalism. Of course, the costs associated are very high, even for one single consultation. The policy created is not a dynamic document like with automated solutions, this means you’ll likely need extra legal advice any time your data practices or global protection laws change.