As a business owner, it’s important to be aware of and comply with various consumer data regulations and laws in order to protect the privacy of your customers and avoid legal repercussions. Here is a list of some of the main consumer data concerns that every business owner should care about:

1. CAN-SPAM Act: This law regulates commercial email messages and requires that businesses obtain consent from recipients before sending them marketing emails and that they include an opt-out mechanism.
2. Do Not Call (DNC) Registry: This registry allows consumers to opt out of receiving telemarketing calls, and businesses are required to check the registry before making telemarketing calls.
3. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): This EU regulation regulates the collection, storage, and use of personal data of EU citizens, and applies to any business that processes the personal data of EU citizens, regardless of the business’ location.
4. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): This California law regulates the collection, use, and sale of personal information of California residents and gives them certain rights over their personal data, such as the right to know what personal information is being collected about them.
5. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA): This law regulates the collection of personal information from children under the age of 13, and businesses must obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children.
6. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS)- The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is an information security standard used to handle credit cards from major card brands.
7. Cookie data collection: Businesses that operate websites should be aware of how they collect, store, and use data collected through cookies. Cookies are small text files that are stored on a user’s browser and are used to track user preferences and activity. Businesses should have a clear and conspicuous cookie policy that informs users about the types of cookies that are used on the website, how they are used, and how users can control them.
8. SSL certificates: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates are used to secure the connection between a user’s browser and a website. They encrypt the data that is transmitted between the user’s browser and the website, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept and steal sensitive information such as login credentials and personal data. Businesses should ensure that their website is SSL-enabled, and a valid certificate is installed and properly configured.

Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

A website Privacy Policy and Terms of Use are important documents that provide transparency and legal protection for businesses and consumers. These documents inform users about how a business collects, uses, and protects their personal information, as well as the terms and conditions that govern the use of the website.

1. Privacy Policy: A Privacy Policy is a legal document that outlines a company’s information collection, use and storage practices. It tells users what personal data is being collected, how it’s being used, and how it’s being protected. It also explains the user’s rights regarding their personal data and how they can contact the company to make changes or remove their data. It is required by many data protection laws such as GDPR, CCPA, and others.
2. Terms of Use: A Terms of Use document lays out the rules and conditions that users must agree to in order to use a website or service. It can include information about acceptable use of the website, restrictions on user content, and the process for handling disputes. It also provides a legal framework for the website and its owner, protecting them from liability and giving them a way to enforce their rules.

Having a Privacy Policy and Terms of Use in place can help businesses to comply with various data protection laws and regulations and can also demonstrate to users that the business takes their privacy and security seriously. It can also provide legal protection to the business in case of any disputes or legal issues that may arise. It’s important to note that the policy should be written in a clear and easy to understand language, and be updated regularly to reflect any changes in the company’s data collection and use practices.

While there are websites that offer free templates for a website Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, I recommend you hire an experienced attorney. It’s not often that we make recommendation for specific service providers. Check out Steven Stark on UpCounsel. Steve is experienced in the world of digital compliance.

Accessibility

An accessibility notice is a statement that a business can include on its website to inform users about the accessibility features of the website and how to request accommodations for users with disabilities. An ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance notice generally informs visitors that the website is being developed to comply with the accessibility guidelines set forth by the ADA.

ADA compliance refers to the requirement that businesses make their websites and other digital assets accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes providing alternative text for images, closed captioning for videos, and making sure that the website is navigable using keyboard controls.

Having an accessibility notice and being ADA compliant can not only help to ensure that your website is accessible to all users, but it also demonstrates a commitment to inclusion and diversity, and it can help to avoid potential legal issues.

It’s important to note that making a website accessible can be a continuous process, as new technologies and accessibility guidelines emerge, website owners should strive to make sure their website is up to date with the latest standards and guidelines. Additionally, testing the website with users with different disabilities and getting feedback will help you to understand if there are any areas that need improvement.

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By implementing these consumer data concerns, businesses can demonstrate to their customers that they are taking the necessary steps to protect their personal information, which can instill trust and confidence in their brand. Additionally, companies should be aware of their local and international regulations, as well as the industry standards, that apply to their business. They should also make sure that they are compliant with any relevant laws, and regulations, and have a plan in place to address data breaches or other security incidents.