Sample website privacy policy template

We’ve created a website privacy policy template to help you understand what your website privacy policy needs to say. It’s completely free to download and you can change it however you like before using it in your business

Download privacy policy template >>
(Microsoft Word, 48KB)

If you would like to include this on your own website, you must credit the IT Donut and link back to this original page.

Do you need a website privacy policy?

Your website privacy policy explains what information you collect from people as they use your website. You need one if you collect any sort of data at all from people on your site.

You certainly need a privacy policy if your website:

• Uses website analytics or tracking software. For example, if you use Google Analytics, Clicky or another tool to view website usage statistics.
• Stores cookies on visitors’ computers. These can be used for many things, like advertising or remembering preferences. (There are specific cookie rules, too.)
• Collects personal data from visitors. For instance, by asking them to sign up to an email newsletter or entering their details to make a purchase.
• Allows people to register and sign in. It’s important visitors can understand how their registration details will be used.
• Includes third-party advertising or tracking code. Embedding ads, videos or content from other services may add their code and cookies to your website.

Quite simply, virtually every website requires a privacy policy. And even if you think you don’t need one, it may be wise to include a short privacy statement to set visitors’ minds at ease.

Our website privacy policy template

Our website privacy policy template is designed to help you create a privacy policy that works for your business.

As every company is different, it’s important to consider what data your website collect before writing a privacy policy to suit these requirements.

However, you can use our privacy policy template as a starting point then add, remove or change information as required.

Privacy and data protection are important issues for every business, so it’s a good idea to seek professional advice before publishing your privacy policy on your website. Using this privacy policy template may cut your costs, because you won’t need your lawyer to create one from scratch.

You can download our website privacy policy template now. It’s a Word file, so most computers should be able to open it automatically.

Download privacy policy template >>
(Microsoft Word, 48KB)

Implementing your website privacy policy

Although your website privacy policy is likely to sit on a page which relatively few website visitors will see, it’s still important to make it clear, straightforward and relevant.

For starters, a proportion of your website visitors will actively seek it out.

But perhaps more importantly, the people visiting your website have the right to know how you use the data you collect from them.

They might only choose to view that information if they have a query or complaint, but it’s at that point when having a privacy policy is most important of all. It protects your visitors, and it covers your back too.

More on this topic:

• Are you sure you’re ready to launch your website?
• Make sure you comply with the EU cookie law
• How to use web analytics without breaking the law