What Your Blog's Privacy Policy MUST Say Under GDPR

A simple, non-legal guide for website owners to build a transparent policy that protects both your readers and your business.

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Why Your Blog Isn't Exempt

The Myth: "I'm just a blogger, I don't need a privacy policy."

The Reality: If you use Google Analytics, allow comments, or have an email sign-up form, you are collecting personal data (IP addresses, email addresses, names). This triggers major privacy laws like the GDPR.

The Policy's Role: It is the central legal document required by GDPR's principle of Lawfulness, Fairness, and Transparency (Article 5) that explains how and why you collect data.

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The Must-Have Sections: Your Legal Obligations

A compliant privacy policy must answer specific questions from the user's perspective. These sections fulfill the Right to be Informed (GDPR Article 12 & 13).

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1. The Basics (Who You Are)

Identity and Contact Information:

• Requirement: Clearly state who the Data Controller is (you/your business name).
• Action: Provide an accessible way for users to contact you with privacy questions (email address).

Last Updated Date:

• Requirement: Place the last update date prominently at the top. This fulfills the requirement to inform users of changes.

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2. What You Collect and Why (Transparency)

Categories of Data Collected:

• Requirement: List every type of personal data you gather, whether direct or indirect.

Blog Examples: Names and emails (from forms), IP addresses (from analytics/comments), Comment content, Cookie IDs, Browser type/device data.

Purpose and Legal Basis (The GDPR Core):

• Requirement: For every type of data, explain why you collect it and which of the six Legal Bases you rely on.

Examples:

• Email Address → Purpose: Sending newsletters → Legal Basis: User Consent.
• IP Address → Purpose: Website security/fraud prevention → Legal Basis: Legitimate Interest.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies:

• Requirement: Disclose that you use cookies (and similar tech like tracking pixels).
• Action: Explain their purpose (e.g., function, analytics, advertising) and provide a link to your dedicated Cookie Policy or your CMP's settings page.

Data Sharing and Storage

Third-Party Data Sharing:

• Requirement: Disclose all external services that process your users' data (your Data Processors).

Blog Examples: Google Analytics, Mailchimp/MailerLite, social sharing plugins (Facebook, X/Twitter), Ad networks (AdSense).

Data Retention Policy:

• Requirement: Explain how long you keep different types of data.
• Action: State that you only keep data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose (e.g., email addresses kept until the user unsubscribes; analytics data deleted after 26 months).

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3. User Rights: Giving Readers Control

GDPR grants users eight fundamental rights over their data. Your policy must explain these rights and, crucially, how a user can exercise them (Data Subject Access Requests).

• The Right to Access and Rectification: The right to ask what data you hold and to correct any inaccuracies.
• The Right to Erasure (The Right to be Forgotten): The right to request the deletion of their personal data (e.g., deleting a comment and all associated data).
• The Right to Withdraw Consent: The right to easily opt out of marketing or non-essential tracking at any time.

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4. Best Practices for Placement and Clarity

A great policy is one that is actually readable.

Placement: The link to your Privacy Policy should be conspicuously placed on every page (usually in the footer). It must also be linked directly in all sign-up forms and comment sections.

Tone: Use Plain Language. Avoid legal jargon and complicated sentence structures. Write it so the average reader can understand their rights and your practices.

Accuracy: Conduct a Data Audit first. The policy must accurately reflect the tools and plugins you actually use on your blog.

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Sources

The requirements for this blog post are based on GDPR, ICO guidance, and EDPB guidelines.