Do I Need a Privacy Policy for My Website? Here’s How to Tell
The short answer is almost certainly yes. Here is exactly how to know for sure — and what to do about it.
If you have ever searched “do I need a privacy policy,” you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions website owners ask — and for good reason. Privacy laws have expanded dramatically over the past few years, and the consequences of getting it wrong range from hefty fines to losing access to your payment processor entirely.
Let us cut to the chase: if your website collects any personal information at all, you are legally required to have a privacy policy in most jurisdictions. And “collecting personal information” covers far more than you might think.
The Short Answer: Yes, You Almost Certainly Need One
A privacy policy is required by law whenever your website collects, stores, or processes personal data from visitors. Personal data does not just mean names and email addresses. It includes IP addresses, browser cookies, device identifiers, location data, and browsing behaviour.
If you use Google Analytics, embed a YouTube video, have a contact form, or even just use standard web hosting with server logs, you are collecting personal data. That means a privacy policy is not optional — it is a legal requirement.
Does Your Website Fall Into One of These Categories?
Here are the most common types of websites and whether they need a privacy policy. Spoiler: they all do.
eCommerce Store
Absolutely yes. You collect names, shipping addresses, email addresses, and payment information. You also likely use analytics to track purchasing behaviour. Payment processors like Stripe and PayPal require you to have a privacy policy as part of their terms of service. Without one, your merchant account could be suspended.
Blog with Analytics
Yes. Even a simple blog needs a privacy policy if it uses Google Analytics, cookies, a comment system, or an email newsletter signup. Google Analytics alone collects IP addresses, device information, and browsing patterns — all classified as personal data under GDPR.
SaaS Application
Yes, and it should be detailed. SaaS products typically collect account information, usage data, payment details, and often integrate with third-party services. Your privacy policy needs to explain all of this clearly, especially how you handle data retention and deletion when users cancel.
Mobile App
Yes, and it is mandatory for app stores. Both Apple’s App Store and Google Play require a privacy policy before they will approve your app. Apple will reject your submission outright if you do not provide one, and Google will remove apps that fail to comply with their data disclosure requirements.
Freelancer Portfolio
Yes, even yours. If your portfolio site has a contact form, uses analytics, or sets any cookies at all, you need a privacy policy. It does not have to be 20 pages long, but it must be there.
Which Laws Require a Privacy Policy?
The website privacy policy legal requirement is not just one law — it is many, across different countries and regions.
GDPR (EU & UK)
The General Data Protection Regulation applies to any website that is accessible to people in the EU or UK. It does not matter where your business is based. If a single visitor from Germany lands on your site, GDPR applies. Fines for non-compliance can reach €20 million or 4% of global annual turnover — whichever is higher.
CCPA / CPRA (California)
The California Consumer Privacy Act requires businesses that serve California residents to disclose what personal data they collect and give consumers the right to opt out. Even if you are a small business below the revenue thresholds, having a compliant policy protects you as you grow.
App Store & Play Store Policies
Apple and Google both mandate privacy policies for any app published on their platforms. Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines explicitly require a privacy policy link, and Google’s Data Safety section requires developers to declare how their apps collect and share user data.
Payment Processor Terms of Service
Stripe, PayPal, and other payment processors require merchants to maintain a privacy policy as a condition of using their services. This is not just a recommendation — it is in the terms you agreed to. Failure to comply could result in account suspension or termination.
What Happens If You Do Not Have One?
Ignoring the privacy policy requirement is not a victimless shortcut. Here is what you risk:
- Regulatory fines. GDPR fines are well-documented and can be devastating for small businesses. Even a “minor infringement” can result in fines up to €10 million.
- App store rejection. Your mobile app will not pass review without a privacy policy. If you are already published and Google or Apple audit your listing, your app could be removed.
- Payment processor issues. Stripe and PayPal can freeze or close your account if they discover you are not meeting their compliance requirements.
- Loss of customer trust. Savvy users look for a privacy policy before entering their payment details. Not having one signals that you are either careless or untrustworthy.
- Legal action from users. In some jurisdictions, individuals can bring private lawsuits against businesses that mishandle their data.
The Quick Test: Do You Need a Privacy Policy?
Run through this checklist. If you answer “yes” to even one question, you need a privacy policy:
- Do you use Google Analytics or any analytics tool?
- Does your website set any cookies?
- Do you have a contact form?
- Do you have an email newsletter signup?
- Do you process payments through Stripe, PayPal, or another provider?
- Do you have user accounts or a login system?
- Do you embed third-party content (YouTube, social media widgets, maps)?
- Does your hosting provider keep server logs? (They almost certainly do.)
- Do you use a live chat tool or customer support widget?
- Do you run any advertising (Google Ads, Facebook Pixel)?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above — and virtually every website will — you need a privacy policy. It is not a question of whether the requirement applies to you. It is a question of how comprehensive your policy needs to be.
How to Get Started
Creating a privacy policy does not have to be overwhelming. You have a few options:
Hire a lawyer. This is the most thorough approach, but it typically costs £500 to £2,000 or more. It makes sense for businesses that handle sensitive data like health records or financial information.
Use a free template. Free templates exist, but they are generic by nature. They often miss details specific to your business — which tools you use, which third parties you share data with, and which regulations apply to your audience. A template that does not match your actual data practices is worse than useless — it can create a false sense of security.
Use an AI-powered generator. LegalForge generates tailored legal pages for your website — including a Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and Cookie Policy — all customised to your specific business. You answer a short questionnaire about your website, the data you collect, and the services you use. LegalForge then produces policies that reflect your actual practices, covering GDPR, CCPA, and other relevant regulations. All three documents for a one-time £19 payment.
The Bottom Line
A privacy policy is not something you can skip or put off until later. It is required by law, required by payment processors, required by app stores, and expected by your users. The good news is that getting one in place is straightforward and affordable.
Whether you hire a lawyer or use a tool like LegalForge, the important thing is to have a privacy policy that accurately reflects how your website handles personal data. Do it today, and you will not have to worry about regulatory surprises tomorrow.