Privacy Policy of a Websites - Essay Example

Facebook, Google, and E-bay websites collect personal information from users ranging from names, age, gender, location, credit card information, photos, e-mail address, and phone number. Facebook collects more information than other websites since it is an interactive website. Information regarding your friends, family relationship, and views on matters like religion, politics, music and various events also appear on Facebook. However, all the information given on Facebook is voluntary and the user is in control of the amount of information they put on the website.

The websites automatically collect information when users interact with the websites’ tools, services, application or advertising. Information on geographical location, device type, IP address, URL referral, and page view statistics is automatically sent by the users’ computer or cell phone. The privacy policy outlines the personal information that might be shared and with whom. The three websites indicate that only with users’ consent would they share information with a third party.

However, the policy does not apply to law enforcement, authorized third parties and governmental agencies. Subpoenas and court orders from jurisdictions within the United States and outside are adhered to by the websites. Information is also shared with lawyers, companies, and courts in order to protect the website and its users from violators of the website's statement of rights and responsibilities. The websites also share information with companies in order to offer joint services. The websites share information with domain administrators allowing them to conduct maintenance of the users’ accounts.

The websites clearly state that privacy policy is subject to change. In the case of Facebook, the changes apply to all the users’ information and account. A fan of the Facebook Site Governance page receives the notice directly while others only find the notice on the site. Google privacy policy does not reduce the users’ rights without explicit consent. Any privacy policy changes are notified to users via the website and email notifications. E-bay states that privacy policy is subject to change but notifications will always be sent out to users.

The privacy policy of a website gains the loyalty and trust of its users (Cahill, D. L, 2007, 17). Change in privacy policy evokes a reaction from users. Appropriate and acceptable change gains further trust and loyalty. On the other hand, and in an appropriate change costs the websites its user’s loyalty and trust.