My Update on the recent FTC crack down on websites beginning
December 1, 2009.

The Federal Trade Commission is now “requiring” a website “Privacy Policy” and “Terms of Service” to be prominently posted on every website that deals with a form of internet commerce – whether it be online or offline sales. They are also focusing on “testimonials” if you have them posted on your website.

Some specific requirements are to have very specific contact info listed in those documents along with stating exactly what you do with collected customer information and how you expect to use that data. There is also a “child protection” act that must be stated in the privacy policy in terms of data collection from a minor, if one happens to fill out your online form.

I always suggest housing that information on your website in the format of a “PDF” document, linked from every page. There are specific technical reasons for that and also, the links to those documents should be programmed in what is called a “NO FOLLOW” link – so the search engines don’t rank those pages and give them value.

The fines for website owners have been very high if the FTC attempts to take action against a website that does not have these items in place. It has been my experience that most websites “don’t” have a privacy policy and terms of service in place.

Here’s how I can help…

I own a software program that has the ability to create these documents, which can then be given to your legal department for review and additional edits if required. The original editable format is in a word document and then once completed we can easily turn those into a “PDF” format and house.

Because these items are not in the normal realm of my “internet marketing efforts and service” I would charge an hourly fee based on the estimated amount of time to assist you with this project.

By all means, get this handled – I can help. Email me for further assistance.