How do I add a privacy policy checkmark to the form on the website?
Every website that collects user data through forms is required to notify them of the purposes and conditions of processing this data. The simplest and most familiar tool is to check the consent box with the privacy policy. Without it, it is not only difficult to comply with the requirements of the law, but also the trust of users decreases: few people will want to leave contact information if it is unclear what will happen to them next.
There are different ways to add such a checkmark. Let's look at the main options: from a simple manual solution to the built-in features of QForm.
The classic way: manually
Developers often add a checkbox directly to the HTML code of the form. Upon activation, the user confirms their agreement with the policy posted on the website. The method is working, but it requires the owner of the resource to monitor the texts, formulations and storage of confirmations himself. This increases the risk of legal errors and adds constant worries.
The classic way: manually
Many companies start this way. A checkbox is added to the site with text like:
"I agree to the privacy policy and the terms of personal data processing."
The form is not submitted until the check mark is set. Technically, this is implemented through the required attribute in HTML or a simple server-side check.
Why is this necessary?
- Legal protection. The mark records the user's consent. In case of disputes, you can refer to the fact that the person voluntarily confirmed the processing of their data.
- Increasing trust. The user sees that the company openly declares its work with personal data and cares about transparency.
- Minimal effort. For a developer, adding a checkmark is a matter of a few lines of code.
What to pay attention to
- The text of the consent. It's not enough to write "I agree." It is necessary to provide a clear link to the privacy policy page, which specifies which data is collected, how it is processed, who is its operator and how consent can be revoked.
- The checkmark is mandatory. If the form is submitted even without a mark, such protection becomes meaningless. This is a common mistake on websites.
- Storing confirmations. Just having a checkmark does not mean that you have proof of consent. Lawyers recommend recording the fact of sending along with the IP address, time and text of the policy in force at the time of consent.
- Language and clarity. The text next to the check mark should be simple, without complicated wording. The user must understand exactly what they are agreeing to.
The pros and cons of the classic method
Advantages:
- Full control over the wording and design.
- It does not require third-party services or licenses.
- It works even on the simplest websites.
Disadvantages:
- The responsibility lies entirely with the site owner: the texts need to be updated independently.
- There is no centralized storage of consents: evidence must be collected and systematized by ourselves.
- When scaling (many forms, different projects), it becomes inconvenient to maintain a single standard.
Thus, the manual method is good for starting or small projects, but as the business grows and the number of forms often raises the question of automation.
QForm: Built-in consent options
To simplify the task, QForm implements ready-made mechanisms for consent to the processing of personal data. The check mark is added to the form automatically, and the consent text takes into account the legal requirements. The user puts a mark and only after that the data is sent.
The main advantage of QForm is the availability of several types of consents that are suitable for different scenarios of working with personal data.
1. Personal Data Processor
In this case, the site owner is the data operator, and QForm is the processor. This is the most flexible model: you can collect almost any data (except biometrics), add and edit the consent text, enable a separate check mark for mailing lists, or even work with special categories of personal data. The data is stored for three years. This option is chosen by companies that manage their own processing processes and are primarily responsible to users.
2. Personal Data Operator
Here, QForm becomes the data operator, and the site owner gets access as a third party. This option is easier from the point of view of the legal burden, but imposes restrictions: you cannot collect passport, special and some other sensitive data. The shelf life is also three years. This option is usually chosen by those who have a basic level of data management without having to delve deeply into legal details.
3. Personal Data Free
A free option in which both QForm and the site owner are considered data operators. The data is stored for only one year, and the restrictions on its types are even stricter: personal, passport, special and commercial information cannot be collected. This option is suitable for projects where a minimum level of legal protection is required and there is no need to work with sensitive categories of information.
What should I choose?
- If you are serious about working with personal data and want to remain flexible, Personal Data Processor is your choice.
- If you need a simple and reliable option with minimal responsibility on your side, a Personal Data Operator is suitable.
- If the task is limited to the basic collection of contacts and it is important to start at no cost, you can use Personal Data Free.
Result
You can check the privacy policy manually, but it is more convenient and safer through QForm. Depending on the scale of the business and the types of data collected, you can choose the appropriate consent option and be sure that the form meets the requirements of the law and the expectations of users.