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Do I Need a Privacy Policy on Shopify?

Last updated on January 10, 2023 @ 4:12 pm

You just created a new Shopify store. You’ve added products, set up your payment gateway, and customized your theme. The only thing left to do is launch your store.. but first, you need to create a privacy policy.

You may be wondering: do I need a privacy policy on Shopify?

The answer is yes, you should have a privacy policy on Shopify (or on any website for that matter).

Here’s why:

  • It’s the law. In some countries and jurisdictions, you are required by law to have a privacy policy. For example, in the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires all websites that collect or process the personal data of EU citizens to have a publicly accessible privacy policy.

  • It builds trust with your customers. A privacy policy helps build trust with your customers by letting them know how you collect, use, and protect their personal information. This is especially important if you plan on collecting sensitive information like credit card numbers or email addresses.

  • It can help you avoid legal trouble. If you collect personal information without a privacy policy (or without following your own privacy policy), you could be subject to legal action. In some cases, you may even be fined.

So, now that you know why you need a privacy policy, what should you include in it?

PRO TIP: If you are collecting any personal data from your customers (including but not limited to names, email addresses, physical addresses, and payment information), you are required to have a privacy policy in place. This is true regardless of whether you use Shopify or any other platform. Failure to have a privacy policy in place could result in fines or other penalties.
  • What information do you collect?. Be specific about the types of information you collect from users (e.g., names, email addresses, credit card numbers). If you use cookies or other tracking technologies, explain how these are used.
  • How do you use this information?. Explain how the information collected is used (e., to fulfill orders, send marketing emails, customize advertisements).
  • With whom do you share this information?. Disclose any third-party service providers with whom you share user information (e., payment processors, shipping companies).
  • How do you protect user information?. Describe the security measures you take to protect user information (e., encryption of credit card numbers).
  • What are your users’ rights?. Let users know what rights they have with respect to their personal information (e., the right to access, delete, or correct their information).
  • Changes to this policy. Inform users that they should regularly check for updates to this policy.

Conclusion: Do I Need a Privacy Policy on Shopify?

Yes – You should have a Privacy Policy regardless of whether Shopify requires it or not. It’s good for business and can help avoid any legal trouble down the road.

Drew Clemente

Drew Clemente

Devops & Sysadmin engineer. I basically build infrastructure online.