What is an App Privacy Policy and How to Create One - Designli Blog

A general overview of what you need in a privacy policy:

• Collection of personal data
• Use of personal data
• Disclosure/sharing of personal data
• Advertising and Analytics Services Provided by Others
• Data Transfers and Retention 
• Third-Party Services 
• Your preferences
• Privacy rights for California consumers

Now that data storing and information tracking are common digital practices, it’s important businesses are upfront about how a user’s personal information is managed. Providing clarity around this topic both protects the business from accusations for data mishandling, as well as lets the user make informed decisions about which websites and apps they trust. Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony at a 2018 Senate hearing is an illustrative example of the consequences of privacy policies not accurately reflecting a business’ data practices.

In most circumstances, it’s required to have a privacy policy stated on your app, web app, and website. For example, if you want to host your app in the Apple app store or Android app stores, then you have to include a clear privacy policy defining how users’ data is used. If you don’t, you can have your app suspended, rejected, or removed from their platforms. 

A few notable privacy laws domestic to the USA are CalOOPA and CCPA. Without getting bogged down in the legal-ese of these laws, the overarching takeaways concern:

• How and why businesses collect data
• Consumers right to know, consent, and opt-out of data collection
• Penalties for businesses that fail to comply.