Foundation · 2 min
What you need to know
What does customer privacy mean in ecommerce?
Customer privacy means handling personal data fairly, transparently and securely for defined purposes while respecting applicable rights and choices.
What personal data do ecommerce stores collect?
Stores may collect identity, contact, address, account, order, payment-related, device, browsing, communication, preference and support data. Apps may create additional copies or profiles.
What is personally identifiable information?
Personally identifiable information is data that identifies or can reasonably be linked to a person, directly or in combination. Legal definitions vary by jurisdiction.
Should ecommerce stores collect every available customer data point?
No. Collecting unused data creates security, privacy, and operational burden. Every field should have a current purpose and owner.
What is data minimization?
Data minimization means collecting and keeping only personal data that is adequate, relevant, and necessary for a defined purpose.
Why should merchants collect only the data they need?
Less unnecessary data reduces breach impact, access risk, storage cost and the work required for retention and customer requests.
What is purpose limitation?
Purpose limitation means specifying why personal data is collected and not reusing it incompatibly without a valid basis and appropriate transparency.
A quick store check
List every customer field collected and write its purpose, lawful basis or permission approach, owner and minimum necessary form.
Foundation · 2 min
Frequently asked questions
Is an order number personal data?
It can be when it links to an identifiable customer or account; classification depends on context.
Can data collected for fraud prevention be reused for advertising?
Do not assume so; assess compatibility, transparency and the applicable basis before a new use.