Why You Need a Privacy Policy as a Freelancer (and How to Write One)
If you’re a new freelancer starting your own business, you may not have considered creating a privacy policy yet. However, no matter how many clients you have, a privacy policy is required by law in many countries. If you’re unsure of how to create one (or what exactly it is), read on to learn more.
What Is a Privacy Policy?
A privacy policy is a legal statement that discloses how you manage and use customers’ personal data. Personal data means any identifying or sensitive information, such as name, address, date of birth, and credit card information. A clear privacy policy helps people who visit your website understand how you collect and store personal data and whether you keep it confidential or release it to third parties.
Privacy policies are important for both freelancers and clients, as data protection is an essential aspect of doing business online, and your policy can affect whether a client chooses to work with you. If private information gets into the wrong hands, it can have harmful, long-lasting consequences. Since you’re responsible for handling your clients’ identifying data, it’s important to have a well-defined privacy policy and only collect the data you need.
How Do Privacy Policies Differ by Location?
Privacy policies will differ based on geographical location, as every country has its own laws regarding what can be done with the data that businesses collect.
The General Data Protection Regulation is a European data privacy law enacted in 2018 with strict security requirements for businesses as well as freelancers. It aims to give European citizens more control over their data and requires more transparency about how personal information is used. If businesses fail to comply with this law, they can face steep penalties.
Similarly, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 gives consumers in California rights like the ability to delete personal data that’s been collected from them.
It’s not only important to know the specific laws in your country, but it’s also beneficial to understand the laws that apply where your clients are based. After all, you are the one who’s responsible for properly managing the information you collect, so you should ensure you’re well informed of all relevant guidelines.
What to Include in a Privacy Policy
There are some standard clauses you should include in your privacy policy. For example, you should address:
- The kind of information (data) you collect
- How you store that data
- A list of third parties you share that data with (if any)
- Whether you use cookies and how you use them
- Your own contact information
Clients trust you to properly maintain their data, so being fully transparent and addressing any concerns will help you build strong business relationships. Clients are also more likely to work with you if you communicate that you’re taking steps to protect their personal information and are well informed of the relevant privacy laws.
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