When must the initial privacy notice be provided to a customer?

The initial privacy notice must be provided to a customer when the customer relationship is first established because this timing ensures that the customer is informed about how their personal information will be collected, used, and shared right from the start. This transparency builds trust and ensures that customers have the opportunity to understand their rights regarding their personal data, as well as how it will be protected.

Providing the notice at the beginning of the relationship allows customers to make informed decisions and consent to the terms laid out in the privacy notice. It is essential to create this awareness at the onset, rather than waiting until after a transaction has occurred or at an arbitrary point during the year, as customers may not have had the chance to understand their data rights in those scenarios. Ensuring that this notice is given early on reflects compliance with relevant regulations designed to protect consumer privacy.