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 Vermont, businesses that operate websites and collect personally identifiable information (PII) from Vermont residents are subject to state privacy laws as well as applicable federal regulations. Vermont's privacy laws require that a clear and conspicuous privacy policy be posted on the website, detailing the types of PII collected, the purpose of collection, how it is used, and whether it is shared with third parties. The Vermont Consumer Protection Act (9 V.S.A. §§ 2451-2480h) also includes provisions to protect consumers against unfair and deceptive acts in commerce, which would cover misleading privacy practices. Additionally, Vermont has specific regulations regarding data breaches (9 V.S.A. §§ 2430, 2435), which require businesses to notify affected individuals and the Attorney General's office in the event of a security breach involving PII. It is important for businesses to comply with these regulations to avoid penalties and to maintain consumer trust. As privacy laws are subject to change, it is advisable for businesses to consult with an attorney to ensure ongoing compliance with Vermont's privacy laws and any other applicable federal privacy regulations like the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), if relevant.