Why Are Website Policies Important?

Website policies describe the business model as well as day-to-day transactions. Having proper website policies will save one from various cyber issues. This article throws light upon the important website policies which have been elaborately discussed along with the contents of the policies. Further, the governance of website policies in India has been also discussed in the following article.

Some of the important policies are:

1. Privacy Policy

A privacy policy is a statement that describes how well a site or organization gathers, stores, protects and uses confidential info submitted by its customers. It is a tool that aids in the development of trust among your website's viewers. It's one of those legal requirements that has been made mandatory under the Information Technology Act.

Contents –

• Description of the data you collect and what you do with it
• How can users’ access and amend any previously acquired information, as well as opt out of mailing lists?
• How will visitors be notified of changes to your Privacy Policy?
• A statement about age limitations – this one is crucial, and it usually entails restricting access to the site to people aged 13 and up or 18 and up.
• A statement regarding any "do not track" signals that may be utilized
• A declaration about how you'll share any data you gather 
• If you utilize third-party email marketing software or payment software, you are sharing your customers' information with them. Even if it's a trustworthy third party, it's still a third party, so be cautious to include it in the policy.

2. Terms and Conditions

Terms & Conditions that are well-written will assist businesses to minimize the ultimate legal liability, safeguard business proprietary information, and send invoices on schedule. Most issues originating from the usage of, or purchases from, your site will most probably be more complicated and expensive if you do not have clear Terms and Conditions.

Contents –

• How and where would issues be resolved
• Warranties and liability constraints
• Whether your product innovation can and cannot be used, and also how you can use the intellectual property that users publish on your website
• The right to withdraw services, and also when and how it's used
• Unless you're a merchant, how else do you handle transactions?
• Cancellation policy and, if appropriate, delivery policies
• How would you notify modifications to company terms?
• Legal disclaimer, containing statements about every licences you possess, or do not possess, within chosen area Comments policy, if you offer advice in particular areas such as health, food, financial, legal, and so on.

3. Refund Policy and Exchange policy

Refunds and exchange are a common occurrence in the age of electronic commerce. As a result, establishing a detailed guideline that is visible to your visitors is beneficial. The most crucial thing is that you explain your refund and exchange policy clearly. It will help you avoid hassles, confusions and possible legal problems.

Contents – 

Make it crystal clear if you don't accept refunds at all. Assuming you permit them, your policy should provide at least the following information:

• Is there a time limit for returns?
• What is the minimum condition of the merchandise for a return to be accepted?
• Who is responsible for the return shipment (if any)?
• What happens if products are damaged or do not arrive as expected?
• What is the average time it takes you to process a return?
• When can a consumer expect to receive his or her money back if a return is accepted?

4. Policy about Comments

This policy describes how you handle feedback for every one of the website customers. You have the ability to control any remarks as long as you're doing it effectively often without breaking anti-discrimination laws. You have a lot of control over what kinds of remarks you accept as well as what you erase.

Contents – 

• Your comments policy should explicitly state:
• What types of comments will you delete?
• Whose decision will it be to remove them or not? (It's most likely yours.)
• Is there really a way to challenge comments that have been removed?

5. Website Ownership

The Copyright Notice informs site users that the information is legally yours and also that they do not have authority to use it. Even though not essential, a Copyright Notice is an excellent approach to keep users from stealing your content. In addition, prominently posting a Copyright Notice and a broad "Here's how you may or may not use my work" policy on the website will last you a lot of effort, cost, and anguish in the long-term.

Contents –

• Copyright symbol
• When did you start your website?
• Reference of the copyright owner, which is most probably you or your company.

These policies are regulated by the Information Technology Act that makes hacking, virus infusion, unauthorized copying, tampering, and other cybercrimes illegal and punishable by civil penalties.

The Act was expanded in 2008 to include offences such providing objectionable content, stealing computer resources, identity theft, cheating by impersonation, cyber terrorism, disseminating obscene content, and child pornography.

The Information Technology Act was further amended in 2009 to provide minimum privacy and data protection provisions. In India, a new privacy regulation encourages businesses and websites to use caution when gathering and handling sensitive personal data or information.

There is now a civil provision that specifies damages for a business that fails to use "adequate security protocols" when managing "sensitive personal data or information," leading to unjust loss or gain to any individual. In addition, criminal penalties are imposed on those who:

• With the goal of, or knowledge that the publication will cause unjust damage or gain, disclose sensitive personal information without the person's consent or in violation of the relevant contract.
• The Information Technology Act further mandates the appointment of a Grievance Officer, whose name and contact details must be made publicly available to the users. Any noncompliance with the privacy policy or the gathering of user data must be resolved by the Grievance Officer before thirty days.

Disclaimers

In legal notifications, disclaimers are provided to highlight that the site owner is not liable for any potential obligations. If your internet business is technical or legal in nature (i.e., professional services), you must post disclaimers on your website to safeguard your online business - especially on items you don't have control over (e.g., IT outages). If you don't have a disclaimer policy in place, you could be held liable for false (or out-of-date) material on your website if a user can show that the incorrect message caused them financial or physical injury. This isn't to say that disclaimer policies are a way to avoid a lawsuit. You will, however, be able to argue that you are not liable if you include adequate disclaimers on your website.

Trustworthy & Confidential - We assure you that all your personal details & documents must be kept private. We never share these details with anyone.

Expert Advice - Sometimes the Proprietors/owner might need expert advice before with regard to compliances of the company. We have the most experienced & provide you with the best guidance for the compliance process of the Company.

Zero Stress - The Proprietor/owner does not have to worry about the paperwork & complex process. Our Associate will perform all these actions.