How to create a privacy policy for Australian websites and apps

If you have a website or app that is based in Australia and collects data from users, you may need to create a privacy policy that complies with the Australian Privacy Act (1988) and other applicable international data privacy laws.

Unless you meet specific criteria outlined in the Privacy Act, most Australian small businesses aren’t legally required to have a privacy policy that follows the Australian Privacy Principles. However, it’s still a good idea to have one on your website so that your customers feel safe sharing their personal information with you.

As a small business owner, you have a few options to create your own privacy policy:

1. Consult a lawyer to write a customised policy

To ensure that your privacy policy complies with Australian Privacy Principles, hiring a lawyer to write your policy and provide tailored legal advice is your safest bet.

In Australia, legal fees can range between $200 to $600 an hour, so before you engage a lawyer to draft your policy, you may want to find out whether the Privacy Act actually applies to your business.

2. Write your own privacy policy

If you run a basic website that only collects a small amount personal data, then it may be cheaper, easier and quicker to write your own privacy policy.

For a standard outline of what you need to include in your privacy policy, read our earlier blog post here. In addition to these general legal clauses, you should check whether you need to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Even if your website is based in Australia, you may need to create a GDPR-compliant privacy policy if you collect data about people based in the European Economic Area (EEA).

3. Use a privacy policy generator

One of the easiest ways to create your own privacy policy and terms and conditions is by using a free generator like GetTerms.io. Platforms like this mean you can instantly generate and download an Australian privacy policy template that is written in Plain English and customised with your business’ details.

A privacy policy doesn’t have to break the bank, but it does need to offer adequate legal protection for your business and transparency for your customers.

For many startup businesses, GetTerms.io provides an easy and affordable solution for online privacy compliance.

As your business expands and privacy law continues to evolve worldwide, you may wish to update and further customise your policy with tailored legal advice.

Generate a website privacy policy

Create a privacy policy for your business or website based in Australia. Generate your privacy policy now.