What is a privacy policy?

A privacy policy is a legal document that explains how an organization collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information from its users, customers, or website visitors. It serves as a transparent agreement between the company and individuals about data handling practices.

Privacy policies typically cover:

• What types of personal information are collected (names, email addresses, browsing data, etc.)
• How this information is gathered (through forms, cookies, tracking technologies)
• Why the data is collected and how it's used (marketing, service improvement, legal compliance)
• Who has access to the information (employees, third-party partners, service providers)
• How long the data is retained
• What security measures protect the information
• User rights regarding their data (access, deletion, correction)
• How users can contact the organization with privacy concerns

Most jurisdictions require businesses to have privacy policies, especially if they operate online or handle sensitive personal data. Regulations like GDPR in Europe, CCPA in California, and similar laws worldwide mandate clear privacy disclosures. These policies help build trust with users and ensure legal compliance while giving individuals control over their personal information.