What is a Privacy Policy?

Where to Look: You should see a Privacy Policy statement available for your review on every web site on the internet. It is accessible by clicking on the words 'Privacy Policy', which you should find at the bottom of every web page. The Privacy Policy statement explains what type of information is collected about you, while you are at a web site, and how it is used.

What it Includes: Generally, reputable web sites will inform you that they are collecting generic information on what you do while you are at the web site. They do this in order to improve the performance of their web site. For example, they will collect information such as what links you clicked on while you visited their web site. This helps them determine which pages on their web site are the most popular. By determining which pages are the most popular, and which are not, they can update or create future web pages which they think will be more appropriate for their audience.

Reputable web sites will also inform you that any personal information you provide at their web site, such as email addresses for subscribing to newsletters, will not be sold or used for other purposes unless you actively instruct them to do so. For example, some companies may suggest that you confirm it is OK to receive email from their affiliates or related companies. Reputable web sites want to make sure your emails do not end up in the hands of those who send out junk mail.

Example: Whenever you have any concerns about how a web site is going to use information it gathers about you, take a look at their Privacy Policy statement. These statements also provide contact information, should you want more details.

Click here to see the ShopWithTrust.com Privacy Statement.  

That ends this lesson on Privacy Policies. If you ever have any concern on how information you enter on a web site will be used, you now know to look for the term Privacy Policy, which is usually located near the bottom of every web page. You can always come back to this article by using our 'Quick Access for Beginners' drop-down list in the right column of each page. The drop-down list provides a link to all of the Beginners Lessons. Javascript required.

We also recommend you review these other security related lessons:

You may also want to check out our Internet Help for Beginners tutorial or our lessons for Experienced Users to improve your internet experience.

Help Others & Good Luck

Our goal is to make you comfortable using the ever expanding internet. We especially want to reach out to online beginners and let them know it is not too late to get started. As more services, especially free ones, move online, we believe it is important that everyone learn the basics for navigating the internet. Think of a family member or friend who may find this web site helpful and forward it to them today. We wish you Good Luck and an Enjoyable Journey on the Internet.

ShopWithTrust.com also provides easy access to trusted retailers. We keep things simple for you by only listing stores with a long history of name recognition. We would like to be your one stop source for online shopping with stores like Macy's, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. Thank You and Best Wishes.

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