Yes, Shopify requires all merchants to have a privacy policy. This is done so that Shopify can guarantee that its users comply with the laws that apply to them.
Since it is an ecommerce platform, Shopify is subject to various rules and regulations covering the privacy of users’ personal information and data security and privacy. So, you must also comply with the rules, ensuring the users understand how you use their data for your business.
In fact, advertising platforms like Facebook Ads and Google Ads also require you to have a proper privacy policy on your Shopify store. Without a privacy policy, you may not be allowed to run ads featuring your store, or if you are already running, your ad accounts may get suspended soon.
How to add privacy policy to Shopify store?
Shopify lets you create or generate store policies. You can use its default templates for your store. However, it is your responsibility to follow the published privacy policy.
To set up a privacy policy, go to Settings > Policies from your Shopify admin dashboard.
Scroll down to the Privacy Policy section and enter your policy details or click the Create from template to enter the default template.
You can use the text editor to add style, formatting, links, and images to your policy.
Once it is done, review your policy and click Save to add it to your store.
Where to put privacy policy on Shopify?
After you add your privacy policy, it is automatically linked to the footer of your checkout pages.
However, it is a good idea to add a privacy policy on other pages so customers can see it before hands.
Here are a few places to put privacy policy on Shopify –
- Header menu
- Footer menu
- Registration form
- Email newsletter sign-up forms
- About Page
- Contact Page
- Checkout pages
- Cookie consent notices
- A Legal page displaying all policies
- Social media pages
Simply put, anywhere you ask for customer details (forms & pages), you should add a link to the privacy policy to ensure the user knows how their data will be used.
Wrapping Up
Some individuals would likely object that this is an unreasonable burden for Shopify merchants; nevertheless, the fact is that every company needs to have a privacy policy if they collect or keep consumer data. It shields the retailer from any potential legal responsibilities, helps businesses earn their customers’ confidence, and ensures that individuals know how their personally identifiable information will be utilized.
In a nutshell, there are many compelling arguments in favor of it being in the best interests of Shopify businesses to have a privacy policy in place. Although it could seem like an unnecessary additional step, it will benefit the business and your customers in the long run.