If you have a website, a Privacy Policy page isn’t just a nice-to-have…it’s a must. In this article, I’ll show you how to create a simple Privacy Policy page using WordPress, even if you’re not sure where to start.
Privacy laws have become stricter in recent years. One of the most well-known is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which went into effect in 2018 in the European Union. However, it doesn’t just apply to businesses in the EU. If your site collects any personal data from EU visitors (through contact forms, email signups, cookies, or analytics), GDPR applies to you, no matter where you’re located.
What is a “Privacy Policy”?
“A privacy policy is a statement or a legal document (in privacy law) that discloses some or all of the ways a party gathers, uses, discloses, and manages a customer or client’s data. It fulfills a legal requirement to protect a customer or client’s privacy.” – Wikipedia
A Privacy Policy is the first step in being transparent with your visitors – letting them know what information you collect, how it’s used, and how it’s protected. In short, a Privacy Policy explains what personal data your site collects, how it’s used, and how it’s stored or shared.
Even if you think you’re not collecting data, your website may be doing so behind the scenes through features like contact forms, email sign-ups, and cookies.
A Privacy Policy for WordPress Websites
Creating a Privacy Policy is easy. WordPress has a built-in template you can use and edit to fit your site. You can either choose an existing page or create a new one using WordPress’s Privacy Policy draft.
WordPress also includes a step-by-step guide in your dashboard. It shows you what to write in each section, so it’s easy to follow. The guide is designed for WordPress users, so it includes the essential details that most site owners need. It’s a great way to get started and stay compliant.
Video on Creating a Privacy Policy in WordPress
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that if you have a website, you need a Privacy Policy page. This page explains how any personal data collected through your site is handled. Many website owners are unaware or believe they are not collecting any personal data from visitors. However, if you use website tools like contact forms, email opt-ins, plugins, analytics, etc., your site is doing it automatically.
Your Privacy Policy is a legal document, and ideally, it should be created with the help of a legal professional. However, WordPress has given you simple, customizable templates to create your own Privacy Policy. As I mentioned in the video, I’m not a lawyer. If you have serious concerns, I recommend consulting a legal expert who is familiar with the GDPR.
Disclaimer:
Before becoming overwhelmed by all these details, I recommend consulting with a legal expert on this matter before taking any action. I am simply providing you with the information I have. We’re not giving legal counsel here and can’t guarantee that if you follow these steps, you’ll be compliant. You’ll need a lawyer to determine that.
Just what I was looking for. Thanks for the tips on making a Privacy page.
Amin, go glad you liked it! Yes I was thrilled when WordPress incorporated this into the core software without having to add any plugins
Thanks, Christina, I have seen 90 min conversation with a London lawyer too on the GDPR specs themselves.
This helps too! I have P Policy but I’ll edit it in light of the GDPR
Frank,
Yes, I love that WordPress made creating a GDPR compliant Privacy Policy so easy!