Privacy Policies: What Every Startup Must Include

With increasing global data privacy laws, a Privacy Policy isn’t just good practice - it’s the law. Whether you’re collecting emails or processing personal data, you need a clear, compliant policy on your site or app.

With increasing global data privacy laws, a Privacy Policy isn’t just good practice - it’s the law. Whether you’re collecting emails or processing personal data, you need a clear, compliant policy on your site or app.

What Is a Privacy Policy?

It’s a disclosure document that tells users:

What personal data you collect
Why you collect it
How you use, share, and store it
Their rights and choices

Required by Law (Yes, Even for Startups)

If you collect personal info (emails, IP addresses, contact forms, cookies), you may need to comply with:

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
State-specific privacy laws (e.g., Virginia, Colorado)

What to Include

Types of data collected
Purpose of collection
Third-party sharing (e.g., analytics, CRMs, advertisers)
Data retention practices
User rights (access, deletion, opt-out)
How users can contact you
Policy update procedures

Best Practices for Founders

Keep it plain and readable - not just legalese
Link it prominently (e.g., footer, signup pages)
Update regularly as laws or practices change
Be transparent - users (and regulators) expect honesty

Final Thoughts

Privacy is a core trust signal. A good policy shows users you take their data seriously - and keeps your startup legally compliant from day one. We help early-stage companies craft privacy policies that grow with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Do all startups need a Privacy Policy?

Yes. If you collect any personal data - emails, IP addresses, or cookies - you need one. Most app stores and ad networks also require it.

What’s the difference between a Privacy Policy and Terms of Service?

A Privacy Policy explains how you handle user data. Terms of Service govern how users interact with your platform. Both are essential.

How often should a Privacy Policy be updated?

At least once a year, or whenever you change your data practices, adopt new tools, or when laws change.

What happens if my startup doesn’t have a Privacy Policy?

You risk fines under laws like GDPR and CCPA, removal from app stores, and loss of user trust.

Category:

Contracts

Don't DIY your legal anymore

Leave it to the pros.

View our Services

Founders’ Guide to Partnership Agreements: Don’t Launch Without One

Launching a company with a co-founder? Working with another startup to jointly build something?

Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs): Clarity Without Commitment

In early startup partnerships or exploratory projects, you might not be ready for a full contract - but you still need alignment. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) provides a way to set expectations without creating binding obligations.

Letters of Intent (LOIs): What Founders Need to Know Before the Deal

Startups often move fast - but when you're courting investors, buyers, or major customers, you need to slow down just long enough to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI). It’s not a binding contract (usually), but it lays the groundwork for one - and sets the tone for the entire deal.