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Cookies Policy
I need a cookies policy that complies with South African data protection laws, clearly explains the types of cookies used on our website, their purpose, and how users can manage their cookie preferences. The policy should be easy to understand and accessible to all users.
What is a Cookies Policy?
A Cookies Policy tells website visitors how your site uses digital tracking files called cookies. It explains which cookies you place on users' devices, what data they collect, and how long they stay active. Under South Africa's POPIA and consumer protection laws, websites must be transparent about their cookie practices.
This policy helps organizations comply with privacy regulations while building trust with users. It covers essential details like third-party cookies from analytics services, social media plugins, and advertising networks. Most importantly, it explains how visitors can control or disable cookies through their browser settings, protecting their right to privacy.
When should you use a Cookies Policy?
You need a Cookies Policy when your website uses any type of tracking cookies to collect visitor data. This becomes crucial for South African businesses using analytics tools, running targeted ads, or embedding social media features鈥攁ll of which place cookies on users' devices. The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) requires clear disclosure of data collection methods.
The policy becomes essential when launching a new website, adding tracking features, or expanding into e-commerce. Companies face significant penalties under POPIA for failing to inform users about cookie usage. Adding this policy helps protect your business while building trust with privacy-conscious visitors who want control over their data.
What are the different types of Cookies Policy?
- Basic Cookies Policy: Covers essential cookie usage and basic tracking, suitable for simple informational websites
- Comprehensive E-commerce Policy: Includes detailed sections on shopping cart cookies, payment processing, and personalization features
- Marketing-focused Policy: Emphasizes advertising cookies, analytics tracking, and social media integration
- Minimal Essential Policy: Addresses only strictly necessary technical cookies with no marketing or analytics components
- Multi-platform Policy: Tailored for businesses using both websites and mobile apps, covering all digital tracking methods under POPIA guidelines
Who should typically use a Cookies Policy?
- Website Owners: Responsible for implementing and maintaining the Cookies Policy, ensuring it accurately reflects their data collection practices
- Legal Teams: Draft and review policies to ensure compliance with POPIA and other privacy regulations
- IT Departments: Implement technical cookie controls and maintain cookie management systems
- Marketing Teams: Use cookie-based tracking for analytics and advertising while staying within policy guidelines
- Website Visitors: Must be informed about cookie usage and given options to accept or reject different types of cookies
- Data Protection Officers: Oversee cookie compliance and update policies as technology or regulations change
How do you write a Cookies Policy?
- Website Audit: List all cookies your site uses, including third-party tools like Google Analytics or social media plugins
- Cookie Categories: Group cookies by purpose (essential, functional, advertising) and duration (session, persistent)
- Data Collection: Document exactly what information each cookie collects and how it's used
- User Controls: Plan how visitors can manage cookie preferences through your consent banner
- Legal Requirements: Review POPIA compliance requirements for data collection and transparency
- Policy Generator: Use our platform to create a customized, legally-sound Cookies Policy that includes all mandatory elements
- Implementation Plan: Prepare technical steps for cookie banner integration and policy display
What should be included in a Cookies Policy?
- Cookie Definition: Clear explanation of what cookies are and how they function on your website
- Types and Purposes: Detailed breakdown of cookie categories used (necessary, functional, analytical, marketing)
- Data Collection Scope: Specific information about what user data is gathered and stored via cookies
- Third-Party Cookies: List of external services placing cookies and their purposes
- User Rights: Instructions for managing cookie preferences and opting out
- POPIA Compliance: Statement addressing data protection measures under South African law
- Retention Period: Duration for which cookies remain active on users' devices
- Contact Information: Details for privacy-related queries and concerns
What's the difference between a Cookies Policy and a Data Breach Response Policy?
A Cookies Policy is often confused with a Privacy Policy, but they serve distinct purposes. While both deal with data protection, a Cookies Policy specifically focuses on website tracking technologies, while a Privacy Policy covers broader data handling practices. Let's compare them with a Data Breach Response Policy, which has important overlapping elements but different core functions.
- Scope and Focus: Cookies Policies deal exclusively with browser-based tracking, while Data Breach Response Policies outline procedures for handling security incidents
- Legal Requirements: Under POPIA, Cookies Policies are mandatory for websites using tracking technologies, while Data Breach Response Policies are required for all organizations handling personal information
- Timing of Use: Cookies Policies are proactive and constantly visible to users, while Data Breach Response Policies activate during security incidents
- User Interaction: Cookies Policies require active user consent and provide ongoing choices, while Data Breach Response Policies guide internal teams and stakeholder communication
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骋别苍颈别鈥檚 Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here鈥檚 how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
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All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
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Organizational security
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Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a 拢1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
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Read our Privacy Policy.