Home Blog 9 Things to Include in a Privacy Policy

Jump to Section

Quick Facts — Privacy Policy Lawyers

3

A privacy policy is a legal statement from a company in a terms and conditions user agreement that explains how it manages users’ data, such as:

  • How it collects user data
  • How it handles user data
  • How it processes user data
  • How it protects its users’ data

In today’s digital-centric era, most mobile applications, desktop applications, and web applications collect customers’ data for analytics and marketing purposes.

The privacy policy agreement shows how your business respects customers’ right to privacy and offers assurance that you will always handle their data in compliance with the law.

In industries like e-commerce, customers share personal information that could jeopardize their financial and personal security if leaked. Even blogs should include a terms and conditions page about how the site they’re hosted on collects and processes readers’ data.

In this guide, you can learn how to write a privacy policy by reviewing 9 things always to include. If you have further questions, such as the average privacy policy cost, you can use Contracts Counsel to connect with an attorney near you

1. Identify the Site or App Owner

The privacy agreement should begin with the clear identification of the site or app owner. If this is an individual, then their first and last legal names, along with the names of the site and app, should be clearly stated.

A company can use its name if it is a legally registered business entity. However, individuals running sites or apps must include their name if they do not have a DBA (doing business as) or are otherwise registered as a business in their state or province.

Here is an article about the basics of a privacy policy.

2. Effective Date of the Policy

List what date the policy takes effect. In privacy law, this is the date that the terms of the privacy policy are legally enforceable. Legal enforceability means a court of law can impose a contract, and any contract violations can result in legal penalties.

Enforceability is an integral part of any user agreement ; it ensures that all parties are in mutual understanding of the terms and conditions, as well as any obligations they agree to by assenting to the contract.

Here is an article where you can learn more about the effective date in a privacy policy.

3. Customer Data Collected

Data collection is an enormous concern for customers today. Breaches and cyberattacks can result in personal data losses, financial ruin, and even identity theft.

To build trust and demonstrate respect, a company can outline how data is collected and what type of data the company collects.

It is important to note that the data you collect and how you collect it will have limitations based on your location. Legal obligations regarding digital data collection companies must follow to avoid breaking the law. These include:

  • The Federal Trade Commission Act
  • The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
  • The Electronic Communications Privacy Act
  • The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act

Furthermore, states often have guidelines safeguarding internet users’ privacy. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is often used nationwide as a template for companies’ privacy policies.

Here is an article about the CCPA and user rights.

Meet some lawyers on our platform

Darren W.

1 project on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Faryal A.

465 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Ted A.

51 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Allen L.

377 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

4. How the Data Is Used

A company should clearly state how it uses the data it collects from its customers. For example, will this data be used for personalized advertising, marketing, or other uses?

Common uses for customer data are:

  • Improving products or services
  • Improving customer experience through behavioral data analysis
  • Refining a marketing strategy
  • Securing personal data by learning to capture and recognize specific users’ input

Data use varies widely by industry and organization. However, every privacy policy should explain exactly how you will use customers’ data and for what purposes.

Here is an article that explores how businesses use data in various contexts.

5. Data Storage and Protection

Will consumer data be cloud-hosted or hosted locally? What protective measures are in place to protect their personal information from theft? A company must protect the following user information from third parties:

  • Names
  • Email addresses
  • Passwords
  • Location
  • Uploaded media

Safeguarding this information is a vital part of customer assurance. It also influences how compliant a company is with specific privacy laws.

Even elements like data portability and the ability to move data from one application or hosting site to another are important considerations.

Here is an article that gives an example of a privacy policy that adheres to the European GDPR.

See Privacy Policy Pricing by State

6. Tracking Tools

Specify what tracking tools your product, website, or application uses to record and collect users’ data. Standard tracking tools include:

  • Adobe Analytics
  • Google Analytics
  • Clicky
  • Facebook Conversion Pixels
  • Hotjar
  • Unique identifier IDs (IDFAs)

Although web trackers are legal, businesses must follow limitations and regulations. Furthermore, consumers should always be fully aware of how a company intends to collect their data and what type of data each tracking tool collects.

Here is an article that explores how to track website users legally.

7. Third-Party Access

Many businesses share their users’ data with third parties. In this case, the privacy policy should explain how other parties will access customers’ data.

Companies can also use this privacy policy portion to assure users that they will never rent, sell, share, or otherwise distribute their personal data to third parties.

Here is an article about third-party access in privacy policies under the GDPR and CCPA regulations.

8. Opt-Out Clause

An opt-out clause gives users the right to withdraw or remove their information from the company’s data collection processes.

For example, a user may unsubscribe from a company’s mailing list or wish to opt out of sharing their usage data with an app developer.

Opt-out is also known as “consent withdrawal.” This is because it protects the user’s data by giving them complete freedom and control over what information they share.

Opt-out clauses are legally required in most situations. For example, the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 requires all businesses and individuals that send commercial emails in the United States to offer an unsubscribe option to their recipients.

Here is an article that explores opt-ins and opt-outs in privacy policies further.

9. Description of Process for Changes and Updates to the Policy

You can close a privacy policy with a description of how you will modify or update it in the future. This includes how you will notify users of any changes to the policy. Users will need to consent to new privacy policies for their user agreement to stay valid.

Most companies have periodic reviews of their privacy policy to ensure it always offers the greatest protection to their consumers. However, keeping copies of all previous privacy policies and a detailed record of their updates is advisable.

Here is an article that explores when and how you should update your privacy policy, as well as how to notify users.

Post a project in ContractsCounsel’s marketplace to receive flat fee bids from lawyers for your project. All lawyers have been vetted by our team and peer-reviewed by our customers for you to explore before hiring.


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


Need help with a Privacy Policy?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 22,848 reviews

Meet some of our Lawyers

Briana C. on ContractsCounsel
View Briana
5.0 (60)
Member Since:
February 15, 2021

Briana C.

Founder, Branch Legal LLC
Free Consultation
Boston, MA
14 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, MA, NY
Columbia University School of Law

Legal services cost too much, and are often of low quality. I have devoted my law practice to providing the best work at the most affordable price—in everything from defending small businesses against patent trolls to advising multinational corporations on regulatory compliance to steering couples through a divorce.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Briana was responsive and quick to put the draft together. It has been a pleasure working with her!"

Heather B. on ContractsCounsel
View Heather
4.7 (59)
Member Since:
November 30, 2025

Heather B.

Founder & CEO
New York, New York
8 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN, NY
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

Delivering proactive and strategic guidance to health and fitness professionals and entities as they scale.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Quick turnaround, had everything I needed and a bit more. Could've used a bit more communication in the beginning to know my circumstance to help draft things I may not be thinking of or missed but all in all it was a great contract for the price."

Stephen R. on ContractsCounsel
View Stephen
4.7 (12)
Member Since:
February 18, 2025

Stephen R.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Boston
17 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MA, NY
New York Law School

Steve Reich is licensed to practice in both New York and Massachusetts and is based in Boston. He assists with environmental litigation and other complex litigation and heads the firm's intellectual property practice, including copyright and trademark registration and protection. Other practice areas include commercial contract drafting and civil litigation.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Stephen was responsive, clear, and candid. He turned the work around quickly, welcomed my input, and offered honest, practical advice throughout. I would gladly hire him again."

Samuel R. on ContractsCounsel
View Samuel
5.0 (63)
Member Since:
October 2, 2021

Samuel R.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Phoenix - Arizona
7 Yrs Experience
Licensed in AZ, PA, UT
Widener University Delaware Law School

My career interests are to practice Transactional Corporate Law, including Business Start Up, as well as Real Estate Law, Estate Planning Law, and Intellectual Property Law. I am currently licensed in Arizona, Pennsylvania and Utah, after having moved to Phoenix from Philadelphia in September 2019. I currently serve as General Counsel for a bioengineering company. I handle everything from their Business Transactional Agreements, Private Placement Memorandums, and Corporate Structures to Intellectual Property Assignments, to Employment Law and Beach of Contract settlements. Responsibilities include writing and executing agreements, drafting court pleadings, court appearances, mergers and acquisitions, transactional documents, managing expert specialized legal counsel, legal research and anticipating unique legal issues that could impact the Company. Conducted an acquisition of an entire line of intellectual property from a competitor. In regards to other clients, I am primarily focused on transactional law for clients in a variety of industries including, but not limited to, real estate investment, property management, and e-commerce. Work is primarily centered around entity formation and corporate structure, corporate governance agreements, PPMs, opportunity zone tax incentives, and all kinds of business to business agreements. I have also recently gained experience with Estate Planning law, drafting numerous Estate Planning documents for people such as Wills, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, and Trusts. I was selected to the Super Lawyers Southwest Rising Stars list for 2024 - 2026. Each year no more than 2.5% of the attorneys in Arizona and New Mexico are selected to the Rising Stars. I am looking to further gain legal experience in these fields of law as well as expand my legal experience assisting business start ups, and also trademark registration and licensing.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Thanks Samuel for your thorough review of my materials. I'm incredibly impressed by your prompt turnaround in drafting my letter. The letter captured the facts perfectly and struck exactly the right tone."

LeMont J. on ContractsCounsel
View LeMont
5.0 (11)
Member Since:
June 8, 2026

LeMont J.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
Hoboken, New Jersey
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NJ
Washington and Lee University School of Law

LeMont leads a corporate and transactional practice with a focus on delivering practical, business-oriented legal solutions. His practice spans corporate law, commercial transactions, and real estate matters, advising clients through entity formation, governance, contract negotiation, acquisitions, and complex deal structuring. In the corporate and transactional space, LeMont counsels closely held businesses, startups, and growth-stage companies on formation strategy, operating agreements, shareholder arrangements, and day-to-day commercial contracting. He is known for structuring deals in a way that balances legal protection with operational flexibility, ensuring that agreements are both enforceable and commercially workable. His real estate practice includes representing clients in residential and commercial transactions, including purchases, sales, leasing arrangements, and hybrid structures such as rent-to-own and option-to-purchase agreements. He regularly works with clients to navigate deal risk, clarify ownership timelines, and document transactions to minimize future disputes.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Hired LeMont for a compliance review — a claim I was about to print and an agreement I was about to sign. He asked good questions before starting instead of guessing at my facts, and one of them caught a real gap in my own draft. Where the law was unsettled he told me what he'd do rather than stopping at "it depends," which is the entire reason I hired a lawyer instead of trying to read the statutes myself. He also surfaced something my own research had missed entirely. He flagged an issue he could easily have billed me to analyze, and told me to wait until it was actually a problem. Delivered on time, at the flat fee quoted, no surprises. I'll be hiring him again."

Ryenne S. on ContractsCounsel
View Ryenne
4.9 (610)
Member Since:
October 11, 2022

Ryenne S.

Principal Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago, Illinois
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
DePaul University College of Law

My name is Ryenne Shaw and I help business owners build businesses that operate as assets instead of liabilities, increase in value over time and build wealth. My areas of expertise include corporate formation and business structure, contract law, employment/labor law, business risk and compliance and intellectual property. I also serve as outside general counsel to several businesses across various industries nationally. I spent most of my early legal career assisting C.E.O.s, General Counsel, and in-house legal counsel of both large and smaller corporations in minimizing liability, protecting business assets and maximizing profits. While working with many of these entities, I realized that smaller entities are often underserved. I saw that smaller business owners weren’t receiving the same level of legal support larger corporations relied upon to grow and sustain. I knew this was a major contributor to the ceiling that most small businesses hit before they’ve even scratched the surface of their potential. And I knew at that moment that all of this lack of knowledge and support was creating a huge wealth gap. After over ten years of legal experience, I started my law firm to provide the legal support small to mid-sized business owners and entrepreneurs need to grow and protect their brands, businesses, and assets. I have a passion for helping small to mid-sized businesses and startups grow into wealth-building assets by leveraging the same legal strategies large corporations have used for years to create real wealth. I enjoy connecting with my clients, learning about their visions and identifying ways to protect and maximize the reach, value and impact of their businesses. I am a strong legal writer with extensive litigation experience, including both federal and state (and administratively), which brings another element to every contract I prepare and the overall counsel and value I provide. Some of my recent projects include: - Negotiating & Drafting Commercial Lease Agreements - Drafting Trademark Licensing Agreements - Drafting Ambassador and Influencer Agreements - Drafting Collaboration Agreements - Drafting Service Agreements for service-providers, coaches and consultants - Drafting Master Service Agreements and SOWs - Drafting Terms of Service and Privacy Policies - Preparing policies and procedures for businesses in highly regulated industries - Drafting Employee Handbooks, Standard Operations and Procedures (SOPs) manuals, employment agreements - Creating Employer-employee infrastructure to ensure business compliance with employment and labor laws - Drafting Independent Contractor Agreements and Non-Disclosure/Non-Competition/Non-Solicitation Agreements - Conducting Federal Trademark Searches and filing trademark applications - Preparing Trademark Opinion Letters after conducting appropriate legal research - Drafting Letters of Opinion for Small Business Loans - Drafting and Responding to Cease and Desist Letters I service clients throughout the United States across a broad range of industries.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Ryenne was wonderful to work with! She went through each section of my contract line by line with me and made sure I understood every aspect."

Jingjing L. on ContractsCounsel
View Jingjing
Member Since:
October 14, 2022

Jingjing L.

Attorney
Free Consultation
London, UK
9 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
University of Chicago Law School

I am a dual qualified (Illinois; England & Wales) transactional lawyer with about 6 years of legal experience. I'm very commercial and pragmatic in my approach, and I provide clear and timely service. I have worked in two of the top international "big law" firms focusing on corporate, private equity, insurance and financial services work. I'm now working in-house at a Fortune 500 company and have a wide range of experience with commercial and corporate contracts as well as legal and regulatory research.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

See Real Privacy Policy Projects

Georgia Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy Drafting Project Drafting
  • Georgia
  • 5 lawyer bids
  • $600 - $1,800
View Details
North Carolina Draft Privacy Policy Drafting
  • North Carolina
  • 3 lawyer bids
  • $445 - $1,175
View Details
Washington Create Privacy Policy and User Agreement for new Readathon Platform Drafting
  • Washington
  • 10 lawyer bids
  • $875 - $3,000
View Details
California Draft Privacy Policy for VR application Drafting
  • California
  • 10 lawyer bids
  • $249 - $1,800
View Details
Texas Local-IL Drafting
  • Texas
  • 10 lawyer bids
  • $300 - $1,999
View Details
Maryland Privacy policy Drafting
  • Maryland
  • 12 lawyer bids
  • $450 - $1,999
View Details

See all Privacy Policy projects

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a Privacy Policy?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 22,848 reviews
CONTRACT LAWYERS BY TOP CITIES
See All Technology Lawyers

Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.

View Trustpilot Review

I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.

View Trustpilot Review

I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a Privacy Policy?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 22,848 reviews

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city