GDPR: 5 best privacy policy examples

Key takeaways:

• Include all eight GDPR-required elements in your privacy policy: identity and contact details, what data you collect, why you collect it, legal basis for processing, who you share data with, data transfers outside the EU, retention periods, and user rights.

• Prioritize plain language and accessibility by writing for humans rather than lawyers, placing the policy in easy-to-find locations like your website footer, and ensuring users can quickly understand what you do with their data.

• Create a privacy policy that reflects your actual business practices rather than copying templates from other companies, as inaccurate policies create legal liability and undermine user trust.

• Review and update your privacy policy at least annually and whenever you change data handling practices, such as collecting new information types, adding analytics tools, or sharing data with new third parties.

You’ve probably clicked through dozens of privacy policies without reading a single one. Most people have. But when you’re the one responsible for creating a privacy policy that actually complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the stakes are a lot higher than a quick scroll and accept, with non-compliance threatening organizations with fines of up to €20 million or 4% of global revenues.

GDPR privacy policy examples demonstrate how successful companies present data practices to users in clear, compliant formats. The General Data Protection Regulation went into effect in Europe in 2018, requiring companies worldwide that process European Union (EU) citizen data to implement stronger data security measures.

Since then, businesses have become more skilled at crafting effective privacy policies. The regulation requires you to present your data practices clearly in a privacy policy—one that users can actually understand and consent to. The five examples below show how leading companies structure their privacy policies to meet GDPR requirements while maintaining user-friendly presentation.

To understand what makes these examples work, it’s important to know what GDPR actually requires. GDPR requires businesses handling EU citizen data to create privacy policies that provide specific disclosures and obtain explicit user consent. Any business processing personal data from EU citizens must follow GDPR’s seven core data protection principles.

These principles ensure fair and lawful data handling:

1. Data processing must be fair to the data subject

2. Data must only be processed for specific and legitimate purposes, outlined in your privacy policy

3. Don’t collect more data than you need

4. Make sure the data you collect is accurate

5. Don’t store personal data longer than needed for the specified purpose

6. Process data in a way that ensures security, integrity, and confidentiality

7. Be able to demonstrate compliance with these principles

What makes a privacy policy effective

You’ve seen the privacy policies that are just walls of legal text. No one reads them, and honestly, they don’t really help anyone—not your users, and not you if a regulator comes knocking.

An effective privacy policy is the opposite of that. It’s clear, easy to find, and actually helps your users understand what you’re doing with their data. It’s not about hiding behind legal jargon; it’s about building trust—a vital currency given that security concerns top the list of adoption barriers for new technologies, with nearly half (48%) of legal professionals citing it as a primary hurdle, according to The State of AI in Legal 2025 Report. Here’s what separates a good policy from a box-checking exercise:

• Transparency about data collection: You’re upfront about what data you collect and why you need it

• Plain language: Written for humans, not just for lawyers—your grandmother should be able to understand the basics

• Easy accessibility: Users can find it without hunting through footer links or buried menus

• User control: Clear explanations of how people can access, correct, or delete their information

• Current and maintained: Reflects your actual practices, not what you did three years ago

The companies that get this right understand that a privacy policy isn’t just a compliance document—it’s a trust signal. When users see that you’ve put thought into explaining your data practices clearly, they’re more likely to feel comfortable doing business with you—a critical advantage when a Cisco study found 87% of companies are experiencing sales delays due to customer privacy concerns.

Key elements of GDPR-compliant privacy policies

When you start looking at the examples below, you’ll notice patterns. That’s not a coincidence—GDPR is pretty specific about what needs to be in a privacy policy. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a legal requirement. Here are the key pieces you need to include to be compliant:

• Your identity and contact details: Who are you, and how can people get in touch with questions about their data?

• What data you’re collecting: Be specific. Is it names, emails, IP addresses, payment information, or something else entirely?

• Why you’re collecting the data: What’s the purpose? Is it for marketing, to provide a service, for analytics, or to fulfill a legal obligation?

• The legal basis for processing: Are you relying on consent, a contract, legitimate interest, or another legal reason?

• Who you share the data with: Do you use third-party tools, analytics platforms, or advertising partners? List them.

• Data transfers outside the EU: If you move data internationally, you need to explain how you’re protecting it during that transfer

• How long you’ll store the data: You can’t keep it forever. Define your retention periods for different types of information.

• The user’s rights: Remind people they have the right to access, correct, delete, or port their data—and explain how to exercise those rights

Missing any of these elements can put you at risk of non-compliance, a threat made real by high-profile cases like the UK Information Commissioner’s Office fining Marriott International more than €20 million for data security failures. The good news? Once you understand the framework, putting together a solid policy becomes much more manageable.

Best GDPR compliance privacy policy examples

Many companies organize their privacy information using what’s known as privacy policy hubs—dedicated website sections that centralize all privacy-related information. These hubs provide data subjects with easy access to comprehensive privacy information in one location, making it easier for users to find what they need and for companies to maintain compliance.

Effective privacy policy hubs typically include:

• How their data is being used

• Where it’s being used

• How your data is being collected and what type

• Terms of the policy

• Where subjects can revoke consent

The following five privacy policy examples demonstrate best practices for GDPR compliance and user-friendly presentation. Each example shows specific techniques you can adapt when creating or improving your own privacy policy.

1. Disney’s privacy policy

Disney’s privacy policy hub

Disney’s privacy policy excels in two critical areas beyond basic GDPR compliance. The company clearly explains how it and its advertisers track user web behavior for advertising purposes. Disney also provides detailed information about protecting children’s privacy, addressing their largest audience segment with specific safeguards that align with laws like the U.S. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which regulates the online collection of personal information from children under 13.

2. Outbrain’s privacy policy

See Outbrain’s privacy hub here.

Outbrain’s privacy policy demonstrates effective user segmentation by clearly distinguishing between different types of data subjects. The policy details how the company handles data for three distinct groups: site visitors, end users of customer websites, and business partners. This segmentation approach helps users quickly find information relevant to their specific relationship with the company.

Below is a screenshot depicting this, showing the different types of personas:

• Site Visitors: Visitors to Outbrain.com that are anonymous to Outbrain

• Users: The end user of Outbrain’s customer on websites like CNN.com, Sky.co.uk, and thousands of other publishing websites

• Business Partners: Users that register with Outbrain on behalf of the company they work for to use the Outbrain Amplify or Outbrain Engage Services

Outbrain’s cookie policy details which cookies (web activity) are stored for how long for each of these user types.

3. Uber’s privacy policy

Uber’s privacy policy website here.

Uber’s privacy policy prioritizes accessibility and user navigation through clear design choices. The policy immediately displays three key elements: the last update date, download options, and an easy-to-use menu system. This upfront approach helps data subjects quickly access information about data collection and usage without scrolling through lengthy text.

4. Google’s privacy policy

See Google’s Privacy policy website here.

Google’s privacy policy excels at addressing data subject rights, particularly the critical GDPR requirement for consent withdrawal. The policy clearly shows users how and where they can remove their data, fulfilling one of GDPR’s most important provisions. This transparent approach helps users understand their control over personal information while demonstrating Google’s commitment to data subject rights, a critical focus area given past enforcement actions that sanctioned Google with a €50 million fine for failing to meet transparency and consent requirements.

5. X’s (formerly Twitter) privacy policy

See Twitter’s privacy policy here.

Twitter’s privacy policy follows the same user-friendly structure demonstrated by other industry leaders on this list. The policy clearly explains how the platform uses tweets, location data, and personal information. Twitter has prioritized readability, making it easy for users to understand the policy’s significance and their rights under GDPR.

How to apply these examples to your business

Looking at what companies like Google and Disney do is a great starting point, but you can’t just copy and paste their policy. Your business is different, and your privacy policy needs to reflect what you actually do with data.

Use these examples as a guide, not a template. Pay attention to how they structure information and how they explain complex topics in simple terms. Notice the navigation patterns, the way they segment information for different user types, and how they make it easy to find specific details.

Then think about your own data practices:

• What data do you actually collect?

• Why do you need it?

• Who do you share it with?

• How long do you keep it?

Your answers to those questions are the foundation of your policy. The goal is to be as transparent as these leading companies are, but with information that’s 100% accurate for your business. A privacy policy that doesn’t reflect your actual practices isn’t just unhelpful—it’s a liability, contributing to a landscape where organizations typically lose five to nine percent of annual revenue due to poor contract management, according to The 2025 Contracting Benchmark Report.

If you’re managing multiple contract types, data processing agreements, and vendor relationships, keeping track of your privacy commitments can get complex fast, especially since contracts are governing 60-80 percent of B2B transactions, according to Gartner. Tools that help you centralize and manage your agreements—including those related to data processing—can make it easier to stay compliant as your business scales. Request a demo to see how contract lifecycle management can support your compliance efforts.

Frequently asked questions about privacy policy examples

What should I write in my privacy policy?

You should write about what personal data you collect, why you collect it, how you process it, who you share it with, and how long you keep it. You also need to explain the rights users have over their data, like the right to access or delete it. Be specific, be honest, and avoid legal jargon where you can use plain language instead.

How do I know if my privacy policy is GDPR compliant?

A policy is likely GDPR compliant if it includes all the key elements required by the regulation—identity and contact details, data collection purposes, legal basis, third-party sharing, retention periods, and user rights. It also needs to be easy for users to understand and accurately reflect your company’s actual data practices. The most reliable way to confirm compliance is to have a qualified legal professional review it, especially if you handle significant amounts of data from EU citizens.

Can I copy these privacy policy examples directly?

No, and you really shouldn’t. Copying a policy directly is problematic for two reasons. First, it won’t accurately describe your specific data practices, which can create legal issues down the road. Second, it’s plagiarism. Use these examples for inspiration on structure, formatting, and clarity, but write your own policy based on how your business actually operates.

How often should I update my privacy policy?

Review your privacy policy at least once a year. You’ll also need to update it anytime you make changes to how you handle data—like if you start collecting new types of information, add a new analytics tool, or begin sharing data with different third parties. It’s a living document, not something you write once and forget about.

Where should I display my privacy policy on my website?

Your privacy policy should be easy to find. The most common and expected location is in the footer of your website with a clear link. You should also link to it anywhere you collect personal data, like on contact forms, newsletter signup boxes, account registration pages, or during the checkout process. The key is making sure users can access it before they provide any information.

---

Ironclad is not a law firm, and this post does not constitute or contain legal advice. To evaluate the accuracy, sufficiency, or reliability of the ideas and guidance reflected here, or the applicability of these materials to your business, you should consult with a licensed attorney. Use of and access to any of the resources contained within Ironclad’s site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the user and Ironclad.