e4

Privacy policy at a glance

Site Genre: Pattern Group e

magnify imageFigureE4.1 Web sites need to provide privacy policies that make it clear what kind of information is being collected and how that information will be used.

Background

The FAIR INFORMATION PRACTICES (E3) pattern described the kinds of policies and procedures that Web sites should have when dealing with customers’ personal information. This pattern describes how to communicate these policies and procedures to your customers through a privacy policy.

Close

PROBLEM

Many customers are concerned about their privacy online. Web sites need a way to tell their customers what kinds of information they’re collecting and how that information is used to provide value, as well as the conditions under which that information is disclosed to others.

buy the book to find out more

SOLUTION

magnify image FigureE4.5 Make a bulleted, easy-toread privacy policy available on each page of your Web site.

Make the privacy policy available on each Web page. Address the fair information practices in the privacy policy. Be aware of special privacy policies for children. Keep in mind that U.S. government Web sites must have a clear and conspicuous privacy policy. Communicate special exceptions for valid legal procedures in your privacy policies. Provide tangible value for personal information.

Other Patterns to Consider

The privacy policy is part of the FAIR INFORMATION PRACTICES (E3) pattern, which describes reasonable rules to follow when you’re collecting and handling personal information. Make the privacy policy available on most pages on your Web site, and especially prominent on key pages like SIGN-IN/NEW ACCOUNT (H2) and QUICK-FLOW CHECKOUT (F1). Consider adding a link to your privacy policy on your PAGE TEMPLATE (D1) as well. SECURE CONNECTIONS (E6) are one way of helping to provide security for personal information transmitted over the Web. Personal information can be used for such things as PERSONALIZED CONTENT (D4), PERSONALIZED RECOMMENDATIONS (G3), E-MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS (E2), QUICK ADDRESS SELECTION (F4), QUICK SHIPPING METHOD SELECTION (F5), and PERSISTENT CUSTOMER SESSIONS (H5).

Close

 

Pattern Resources

PATTERN COMMENTS

POST A COMMENT and/or EXAMPLE WEBSITE

You must be logged in to post a comment.