Your Online Privacy Policy - Sample Wording 

Note: Before you publish your privacy policy on your website, have your attorney review it first. 

Having an online privacy policy on your organization's website can enhance trust and provide certain legal protections. This article provides sample policy language that lets online visitors/website users know what information you collect, how it will be used, who will be able to access it, and how you protect it. 

Sample Wording
 

Privacy Policy

Effective date: [Date]. Latest Revision: [Date].

[Organization name] values your online privacy and security. This privacy policy describes the type of information we collect and how we use it. Information is shared only with our ministry and the following Closely Affiliated Organizations: [List any closely affiliated organizations with whom you share information here.]

What information do we collect? [Organization name] only collects information you provide. This could include your contact information, such as your name, address, phone number, and email address. We may also collect payment information, such as a credit/debit card numbers, the card’s expiration date, and other billing information if you donate or buy materials from us online.

How do we use your information? [Organization name] uses your information to better connect with you and to connect you with others involved with our ministry. Payment information is used to process your donations or purchases.

Will we share your information with others? Our ministry will not share your personal information with outside organizations that are not closely affiliated with us. Our ministry may provide your information to third parties to process a transaction you have initiated with us. We and our Closely Affiliated Organizations use personal information for internal purposes and to connect with you and other individuals involved with us.

How do we protect your information? We are committed to protecting your personal and payment information. Our ministry has implemented security measures, including Internet encryption software, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, and firewalls to prevent information from being compromised. Payment information is accessible only by authorized individuals to process this information.

What about cookies? Our website uses “cookies” to better interact with you. A cookie is a small piece of data that is stored on your computer’s hard drive that allows our website to remember your preferences and interactions with the website. A cookie does not access other information from your hard drive or other cookie files you may have from other sites. You can decline cookies through your browser settings. However, if you do decline cookies, certain functions of our website may not be available.

Links to other websites? Our website includes links to other websites. Please be aware that this privacy policy applies only to this website. The privacy measures taken by these websites can be found in each website’s own privacy policy.

[If your ministry sends mass e-mails to users, include the following copy.]
How do I remove my email address from your mailing list? If you would like to stop receiving emails from our ministry, you can do so by simply sending us an email with that request at [email address]. [If you include opt-out functionality within your emails, refer to that option here.]

How do I contact your ministry with any questions? We are happy to receive and respond to any questions you may have about this privacy policy. Feel free to send your questions to [insert email address].

Updated March 2022

This is a sample policy only. Depending on your organization’s location and operations, privacy and data security laws may require additional provisions not included in this sample document. Your organization is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. Accordingly, this document should not be used or adopted by your organization without first being reviewed and approved by a licensed attorney in your area. Brotherhood Mutual assumes no liability in the preparation and distribution of this sample document.