How Websites Use Your Data: Best Practices for Data Sharing in 2025
In today’s digital landscape, websites collect vast amounts of user data every second. More than 1 trillion MB of data is created every single day, making it crucial for both businesses and consumers to understand how this information flows through the internet. At AltrueTECH in Charlotte, NC, we believe transparency builds trust, which is why we’re breaking down exactly how websites use your data and sharing best practices that protect both businesses and their users.
What Data Do Websites Actually Collect?
When you visit any website, you’re sharing more information than you might realize. Online behavior data includes where users click, how much time they spend on particular web pages, where in the funnel they drop off, and similar crucial information. At AltrueTECH, we know data collection goes much deeper than basic analytics.
Types of Data Commonly Collected:
Personal Identifiable Information (PII) includes your name, email address, phone number, billing information, and date of birth. Collecting this type of data may have significant legal/financial implications for your company due to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)..
Behavioral Data tracks your browsing patterns, purchase history, search queries, and interaction with website elements. This information helps businesses optimize user experience and personalize content.
Technical Data encompasses your IP address, browser type, device information, operating system, and cookies. While seemingly harmless, this data creates a digital fingerprint that can track you across multiple websites.
Social Media Data monitors how products, services, or brands are discussed on social platforms, providing businesses with sentiment analysis and market insights.
Why Websites Collect Your Data
Understanding the “why” behind data collection helps demystify the practice. Legitimate businesses use data to:
- Improve User Experience: Analytics reveal which pages perform well and where users encounter difficulties
- Personalize Content: Tailored recommendations and content based on your preferences and behavior
- Enhance Security: Detecting fraud, preventing unauthorized access, and protecting user accounts
- Business Intelligence: Understanding market trends, customer preferences, and competitive positioning
- Marketing Optimization: Creating targeted advertising campaigns and measuring their effectiveness
AltrueTECH helps businesses rely on data insights to serve their customers better and remain competitive in the market.
Current Privacy Regulations Shaping Data Practices
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
The European Union’s GDPR remains one of the strongest and most influential data privacy laws worldwide and applies to all organizations that process the personal data of individuals in the EU. Even Charlotte businesses serving European customers must comply with GDPR requirements.
Key GDPR principles include:
- Lawful Basis Requirement: Companies must have legitimate reasons for processing personal data
- Data Minimization: Collect only necessary information for specified purposes
- Transparent Processing: Clear communication about data usage
- Individual Rights: Access, rectification, erasure, and data portability rights
CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a data privacy law that gives California consumers control over their personal information. While specific to California, its influence extends nationwide, affecting how businesses approach privacy.
CCPA grants consumers rights to:
- Know what personal information is collected
- Delete personal information held by businesses
- Opt-out of the sale of personal information
- Non-discriminatory treatment when exercising privacy rights
Financial Impact of Non-Compliance
The stakes for non-compliance are significant. The GDPR has resulted in 2,248 fines totalling almost €6.6 billion since 2018, with the biggest fine being Meta’s €1.2 billion fine in May 2023. CCPA violations can result in fines up to $7,500 per intentional violation, AltrueTECH wants to helps companies avoid these fines.
Best Practices for Ethical Data Collection
1. Implement Data Minimization Strategies
Avoid unnecessary data hoarding and limit data collection to the minimum required for your service or project’s specific purpose. This reduces privacy risks and simplifies compliance efforts.
Actionable Steps:
- Audit existing data collection practices quarterly
- Remove unnecessary form fields and tracking pixels
- Set automatic deletion schedules for outdated information
- Focus collection on data that directly supports business objectives
2. Prioritize Transparency and Consent
At AltrueTECH, our client’s trust is a top priority. Building trust starts with honesty – be upfront about data collection. Inform your clients and potential users, in easily accessible terms, what data you collect, how you collect it, why you need it, and the intended purpose of its use.
Implementation Guide:
- Create clear, jargon-free privacy policies
- Use layered privacy notices for complex processing activities
- Implement granular consent mechanisms
- Provide easy opt-out processes
- Display “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” links where required
3. Establish Robust Security Measures
Implementing robust security measures can help protect collected data from unauthorized access, breaches, and misuse. Consider investing in state-of-the-art encryption techniques, access control protocols, and intrusion detection systems.
Security Checklist:
- Deploy end-to-end encryption for data transmission and storage
- Implement multi-factor authentication for admin access
- Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing
- Train staff on data protection best practices
- Maintain incident response plans for potential breaches
4. Leverage Automation for Compliance
Automation is the key to efficient and error-free data collection. Web crawling, web scraping, and real-time APIs are your main ways to access the data you need. Modern businesses should embrace automated compliance tools.
Automation Benefits:
- Consistent data validation and quality checks
- Automated consent management and preference centers
- Real-time privacy policy updates across platforms
- Streamlined data subject access request handling
Emerging Trends in Data Privacy for 2025
AI and Automated Decision-Making
GDPR’s AI Act mandates bias assessments for automated decision-making systems, while CCPA requires opt-outs for AI profiling affecting credit/employment decisions. Businesses using AI must ensure fair and transparent algorithmic processing.
Global Privacy Control (GPC)
Developed in response to the CCPA and to enhance consumer privacy rights, the GPC is a ‘stop selling or sharing my data switch’ that is available on some internet browsers. Supporting GPC demonstrates commitment to user privacy.
Enhanced Vendor Management
63% of 2024 breaches involved vendors, highlighting the importance of third-party risk management. Regular vendor assessments and contractual privacy protections are essential.
Building User Trust Through Privacy-First Design
Privacy by Design Principles
Modern websites should embed privacy considerations into their foundational architecture:
- Proactive Protection: Anticipate and prevent privacy invasions before they occur
- Privacy as the Default: Maximize privacy protection without requiring action from users
- End-to-End Security: Secure data throughout its entire lifecycle
- Visibility and Transparency: Ensure all stakeholders can verify privacy practices
User-Centric Approach
Data privacy is a significant concern for users in 2025, especially with stricter global regulations. Designing with privacy in mind means ensuring that user data is collected, stored, and used transparently.
Successful privacy programs focus on:
- Clear communication about data usage
- Easy-to-use privacy controls
- Regular privacy preference updates
- Responsive customer support for privacy concerns
Local Charlotte Business Considerations
North Carolina Privacy Landscape
While North Carolina hasn’t enacted comprehensive state privacy legislation, Charlotte businesses serving customers nationwide must comply with various state and federal requirements. AltrueTECH values the privacy of our own company as well as that of our customers.
Industry-Specific Requirements
Charlotte’s diverse business ecosystem includes:
- Financial Services: Subject to GLBA, SOX, and banking regulations
- Healthcare: HIPAA compliance for protected health information
- Retail: Payment card industry (PCI) standards for transaction data
- Technology: Various sector-specific privacy requirements
Practical Implementation Steps for Businesses
Phase 1: Assessment and Planning
- Conduct comprehensive data mapping exercises
- Identify applicable privacy regulations
- Assess current compliance gaps
- Develop implementation roadmaps with realistic timelines
Phase 2: Policy and Procedure Development
- Draft clear privacy policies and notices
- Establish data governance frameworks
- Create standard operating procedures for privacy requests
- Implement staff training programs
Phase 3: Technology Implementation
- Deploy consent management platforms
- Implement data loss prevention tools
- Establish secure data storage and transmission protocols
- Create automated compliance monitoring systems
Phase 4: Ongoing Management
- Regular compliance audits and assessments
- Continuous staff training and awareness programs
- Privacy impact assessments for new projects
- Stakeholder communication and transparency reporting
Choosing the Right Privacy Technology Partners
When selecting privacy technology solutions, Charlotte businesses should consider:
- Local Support: Partners with regional presence and understanding
- Scalability: Solutions that grow with your business
- Integration Capabilities: Seamless connection with existing systems
- Compliance Coverage: Support for multiple regulatory frameworks
- Transparency: Clear understanding of how privacy tools protect data
Conclusion: Building Trust Through Responsible Data Practices
The digital economy thrives on data, but success requires balancing innovation with privacy protection. Businesses that look forward to navigating the ever-evolving data landscape must ensure that privacy remains a core principle while driving innovation and growth responsibly, ethically, and with respect for individuals.
At AltrueTECH, we help Charlotte businesses implement privacy-first strategies that build customer trust while supporting business growth. Responsible data practices aren’t just about compliance—they’re about creating sustainable relationships with your customers.
By following these best practices and staying informed about evolving privacy regulations, businesses can transform privacy from a compliance burden into a competitive advantage. In 2025 and beyond, the organizations that succeed will be those that earn their customers’ trust through transparent, respectful data practices.
For expert guidance on implementing privacy-first data strategies for your Charlotte business, call AltrueTECH at 803-766-3400 or visit our website. Our team specializes in helping North Carolina companies navigate complex privacy requirements while maximizing their data’s business value.