A privacy policy tells visitors what personal data you collect, why, and what rights they have over it. It's required the moment your site uses analytics, a contact form, accounts, or payments — and third parties like Google, Apple, and Stripe won't work with you without one.
Why you need a privacy policy
Beyond the law, a clear privacy policy builds trust with the people handing you their data and is a hard requirement for ad networks, app stores, and payment processors.
What your privacy policy should include
- What personal data you collect and how
- The purpose and legal basis for each use
- Third parties and processors you share data with
- Data-retention periods
- How users exercise their access, correction, and deletion rights
- Cookies and tracking technologies
- Contact details for privacy requests
Frequently asked questions
Do I legally need a privacy policy?
If your website collects any personal data — including via analytics or cookies — then yes, in almost every jurisdiction. It's also required by Google, Apple, and most payment and ad platforms.
Is a generated privacy policy legally valid?
A well-structured, jurisdiction-aware policy that accurately reflects your data practices is suitable for most small businesses. For high-risk or heavily regulated sectors, have a qualified lawyer review it.