Disclosures

Disclosures

A footer is the bottom section of your website that contains important information, including links to your terms of service, privacy policy, and other legal disclaimers. By placing your disclosures in the footer, you ensure that they are visible to your visitors without being intrusive.

Some common disclosures to consider adding to your website footer include:

• Terms of Service – Your website should include terms of service that outline the rules and guidelines users must follow when using your site.

• Privacy Policy – Your website must include a privacy policy that explains how you collect, use, and protect your users’ data.

• Cookie Policy – This lets users know that your website uses cookies to provide a personalized and enhanced user experience.

• Copyright Notice – This lets users know that all content on your website is your intellectual property and is protected by copyright law.

• Disclaimer of Liability – A disclaimer lets users know that the information on your website is for general purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

• Affiliate Disclosure – If you use affiliate links on your site, you must disclose this information to your users.

• FTC Compliance Statement – This lets users know that you comply with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that govern online advertising, endorsements, and consumer protection.

• Medical Disclaimer – This lets users know that your content is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. That they always need to seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.

• California Supply Chains Act – This lets users know you are committed to complying with the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, which requires companies to disclose their efforts to prevent human trafficking and slavery in their supply chains.

• Opt-out of Targeted Advertising – This lets users know you understand the importance of online privacy and offer opt-out options for targeted advertising on your website and other platforms.

• Modern Slavery Act – Similar to the California Supply Chains Act but more general, this lets users know you do not tolerate any form of modern slavery, including forced labor and human trafficking, in your operations or supply chains.

• Phishing and Fraud Awareness – This lets users know you are dedicated to ensuring the security and privacy of your customers and users. That you provide education and awareness on phishing and fraud prevention to protect your community from online scams.

• Contact Information – Your website should include your business address, phone number, and email address, so users can get in touch with you if they have any questions or concerns.

• DMCA Notice – If you allow user-generated content on your site, you should include a DMCA notice that explains how to report copyright infringement.

• Accessibility – Let your visitors know that your website is ADA compliant and how to access your website via text readers.

To create effective disclosures, start by identifying the information that is relevant to your website. For example, if you collect user data or use cookies, you may need to include a disclosure about this. If you offer financial or legal advice, you may need to include a disclaimer about the accuracy of your information. Your footer is an important part of your website and should include all relevant disclosures that are required by law or that will help your users understand how your site operates.

Related: Data privacy standards
Related: Cookies