Terms of use and privacy policy: a guide for startups
What terms of use and a privacy policy are for, the key clauses they need, getting user consent, updating them and common mistakes.
By Editorial Team
Every startup with a website or app should set its relationship with users in written rules. Terms of use set the service's rules; the privacy policy and notice explain how personal data is processed. They are a legal requirement and the basis of user trust.
What terms of use should include
- Description and scope of the service
- Account creation, user obligations and prohibited uses
- Responsibility for user content and the company's right to use it
- For paid services: price, payment, renewal, cancellation and refunds
- Intellectual property
- Limitation of liability
- Suspension and termination of accounts
- Changes to the terms and notice
- Governing law and jurisdiction
If you sell to consumers, mandatory consumer law overrides conflicting clauses; follow distance-selling and withdrawal rules.
Privacy policy and notice
Under KVKK users must be told:
- What personal data is collected
- For what purposes and on which legal basis
- To whom it may be transferred and why (including abroad)
- How it is collected
- Their rights and how to exercise them
If you use cookies, prepare a separate cookie policy and get consent for non-essential cookies. See our KVKK guide.
Getting consent
- Capture acceptance of the terms with a clear checkbox at sign-up and keep a record.
- The privacy notice must be readable; explicit consent, where needed, should be separate and optional.
- Keep marketing consent separate from using the service.
Updates
Notify users before material changes and get renewed consent where needed. Show a version date on each document.
Common mistakes
- Copying another site's text; it may not fit your model or the law.
- Describing processing you do not do, or omitting what you do
- Unclear, overly long and technical language
- Not updating documents as the product changes
Conclusion
Well-prepared terms and privacy policies prevent disputes and build trust. See our own terms of use and privacy notice for Türkiye Startups. This guide is general information; prepare your texts with a lawyer.
This guide is for general information only and is not legal, financial or investment advice. Check official sources and consult professionals for current terms.
