A website privacy policy is a legal statement a business places on its website to inform users of what personally identifiable information (PII) the business collects, and how it complies with privacy laws. Privacy laws govern the collection, use, storage, protection, sharing, and deletion of PII—and the disclosure to consumers of what PII a business has collected about them. Examples of PII include names, addresses, telephone numbers, credit card information, and online user names and passwords. Many states have privacy laws, and these laws vary from state to state.

In Minnesota, as in many other states, businesses that operate websites and collect personally identifiable information (PII) from Minnesota residents are expected to have a privacy policy in place. This policy must clearly disclose the types of PII collected, the purpose of collection, how the information is used, and whether it is shared with third parties. Minnesota's privacy laws align with federal standards, such as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which imposes certain requirements on operators of websites or online services directed to children under 13 years of age. Additionally, Minnesota Statutes Section 325M, known as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, regulates the collection and use of personal information by government entities but also sets a precedent for private entities in terms of transparency and accountability. While there is no specific state statute in Minnesota that requires a private business to post a privacy policy, failure to comply with stated privacy policies or engaging in deceptive practices in relation to privacy could lead to actions by the Minnesota Attorney General under the Minnesota Consumer Protection Act. It is advisable for businesses to consult with an attorney to ensure their privacy policies are comprehensive and compliant with all applicable laws.