When a Ukrainian company enters the international market and adapts its website for a new audience, the primary focus is often on translating content: product descriptions, interface, and advertising texts. However, important documents such as the user agreement and privacy policy are often overlooked. These documents regulate the relationship between the company and its users and can have serious legal consequences.
Why is it important to make a translation?
- Legal significance of documents
- Requirements of legislation in different countries
- User trust
- Reputational risks
- How to ensure high-quality translation?
A user agreement defines the rules for using a website or service, while a privacy policy describes the collection, storage, and processing of personal data. If these documents remain only in the original language, users from other countries may simply not understand their rights and responsibilities. If disputes arise, the company risks facing claims of lack of transparency or even violation of the law.
Personal data protection laws vary by country. For example, the EU has the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which requires users to be clearly and understandably informed in their native language about how their data is processed. The US has different rules than Canada or Japan. Therefore, a simple literal translation is not always sufficient: the text must be localized to comply with local legal regulations.
Localizing the agreement and privacy policy increases trust in the company. When people see a clear and well-written document in their native language, they feel that the service is committed to transparency and honesty. A lack of translation, on the other hand, can raise suspicions and create the impression that the company is trying to hide the terms of the partnership. If you plan to do business in another country, you should also consider these aspects.
Today, a business's reputation is shaped not only by the quality of its product but also by its attention to user rights. A company that neglects to translate legally significant documents may be subject to criticism in the media or social media. This is especially dangerous for international brands, as reputational damage can lead to decreased sales and problems with partners.
To avoid risks, the translation of user agreements and privacy policies should be entrusted to professional translators specializing in legal matters. In such documents, precise wording and adaptation to the legal requirements of a particular country are crucial. This is not a simple word-for-word translation, but a full-fledged localization that takes into account legal and cultural nuances.
Conclusion
Translating user agreements and privacy policies isn't a mere formality; it's a strategically important step for entering international markets. It helps ensure legal compliance, build user trust, and protect your company from potential claims. If you're planning to localize a website or app, be sure to include legally binding documents in the process.
Kyiv Regional Translation Agency offers businesses comprehensive website localization services, including translation of legal documents. We employ translators who provide professional legal translations for websites.
