Privacy Policy Generator

Yes, if you collect any personal data from website visitors, customers, or employees, UK GDPR requires you to have a privacy policy. This applies to most businesses with a website, as even basic contact forms or analytics tools collect personal data. The privacy policy must explain what data you collect, why you collect it, and how you protect it.

A GDPR-compliant privacy policy must include: your identity as data controller, types of personal data collected, purposes of processing, lawful bases under GDPR, any third parties data is shared with, data retention periods, individuals' rights (access, deletion, etc.), how to withdraw consent, and how to complain to the ICO. This generator covers all these requirements.

This generator creates a template that covers the key GDPR requirements for UK businesses. However, every business is different, so you should review and adapt the generated policy to your specific circumstances. For high-risk data processing or regulated industries, we recommend seeking legal advice to ensure full compliance.

Most small and medium businesses do not legally require a Data Protection Officer (DPO). You need a DPO if you: are a public authority, carry out large-scale systematic monitoring of individuals, or process large amounts of special category data (health, religion, etc.). Even without a formal DPO, you should have someone responsible for data protection.

GDPR recognises six lawful bases: consent (individual has agreed), contract (needed to fulfil a contract), legal obligation (required by law), vital interests (protecting someone's life), public task (official functions), and legitimate interests (business purposes that don't override individual rights). Most businesses rely on contract, consent, and legitimate interests.

You should only keep personal data as long as necessary for the purposes it was collected. Common retention periods: transaction records (6 years for tax), marketing preferences (until opt-out), website analytics (typically 26 months), and customer enquiries (2-3 years). Your privacy policy should explain your retention periods.

Yes, if your website uses cookies, you should explain this in your privacy policy. UK regulations require you to tell visitors what cookies you use and get consent for non-essential cookies (like analytics and marketing). Essential cookies needed for the site to function don't require consent but should still be mentioned.

Review your privacy policy at least annually, or whenever there are changes to your data processing activities, third-party providers, or relevant legislation. You must notify individuals of significant changes. Keeping your policy up to date demonstrates good data governance and helps maintain customer trust.