WordPress privacy policy: how to write one and how to add it to your site

What to include in your WordPress privacy policy

Your privacy policy should explain your site’s data practices in plain language. Here are the core sections most policies need:

1. What data you collect

Make a list of the types of data your site gathers. This often includes:

• Names and email addresses (from comment forms, contact forms, newsletter signups)
  
• IP addresses and browser details (from analytics tools)
  
• Purchase information (from ecommerce checkouts)
  
• Cookies and tracking data (from embedded videos, ads, or third-party scripts)

Example: If you run a small WooCommerce store, you might write:

We collect information such as your name, billing and shipping address, email, phone number, and payment details during the checkout process. We also collect information about your IP address and browser to help prevent fraud and improve our service.

2. How and why you collect it

Explain the purpose behind the data collection:

• To respond to contact form messages
  
• To process orders
  
• To improve site performance
  
• To analyze visitor behavior
  
• To display personalized content or ads

Example: Say you’re running a personal blog with a contact form and Google Analytics. You might write:

We collect personal information you provide, such as your name and email, so we can respond to messages you send through our contact form. We also use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site and improve the content we offer.

3. Who you share data with

List any third-party services or plugins that receive user data, such as:

• Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp)
  
• Payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal)
  
• Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics)
  
• CRM or live chat tools

Example: For a site using Mailchimp and Stripe, you might write:

We share necessary data with third-party providers, such as Mailchimp (for managing email newsletters) and Stripe (for processing payments securely). These providers only receive the information they need to perform their services.

4. How you protect the data

Briefly describe the steps you take to secure user data, such as:

• SSL encryption for data transmission
  
• Regular software and plugin updates
  
• Secure hosting environments
  
• Password protection for admin accounts

Example: For a personal blog or small business site:

We use SSL encryption to ensure your data is transmitted securely. Our site is hosted on secure servers, and we regularly update our plugins and software to keep your data protected.

5. Cookie usage

Most modern WordPress sites set cookies—even if you didn’t add them yourself. Cookies can store:

• User login info
  
• Cart items
  
• Tracking data for analytics or advertising

Example: If you’re using Google Analytics or embedded YouTube videos:

“This website uses cookies to remember your preferences and analyze how visitors use the site. For example, we use Google Analytics cookies to track visitor behavior and embedded YouTube videos may set cookies when played.”

6. User rights

Depending on the laws you need to follow, you’ll also want to include information about:

• How users can access their data
  
• How to request correction or deletion
  
• How to opt out of tracking or marketing communications

Example: For a basic site serving users in the U.S. and EU:

If you’re located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the right to access the personal data we hold about you and to request correction or deletion. To make a request, please contact us using the details below.

7. Contact information

Give users a way to contact you if they have questions about your privacy practices—usually an email address or contact form.

Example:

If you have questions about this privacy policy or the data we collect, you can contact us at [email protected] or through our contact form at yourdomain.com/contact.