What to include in an app privacy policy

Q: What's the biggest mistake in app privacy policies?

The policy contradicts the app — claiming we don't share data while SDKs send events to ad networks. Audit dependencies and match the policy to reality.

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What a privacy policy actually does

A privacy policy is the document where you tell users what you collect, why, and what they can do about it. It is also what regulators and app stores check first. A good one is accurate and plain; a policy that contradicts your app's behavior is worse than a weak one.

The categories to cover

Data categories — what you collect (email, analytics, crash logs, location, purchases).
Purposes — why (operate the app, support, marketing).
Lawful basis (EU) — for GDPR, the legal basis for each processing purpose (consent, contract, legitimate interest).
Retention — how long you keep it and when you delete it.
Third parties — processors and SDKs that receive data (analytics, ad networks).
User rights — access, deletion, portability, opt-out.
Contact — a reachable address for privacy requests.

Match the policy to real SDK behavior

The most common failure is a policy that lists "we don't share data" while three SDKs ship events to ad networks. Audit your dependencies and write the policy to match. A generator like PolicyDeck asks what you collect and produces a draft — but you must answer truthfully; the document is only as accurate as your inputs.

Keep language plain

Plain English beats legalese. Users (and reviewers) understand "we delete your account data after 90 days" far better than a wall of defined terms. A clear policy also survives counsel review faster.

Authoritative references

GDPR Art. 12–14 (transparency & information to be provided): https://gdpr-info.eu/art-12-gdpr/
California Consumer Privacy Act / Cal. Civ. Code §1798.155: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&division=3.&title=1.81.5
Apple App Store Review Guidelines (Privacy): https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/

FAQ

Is a privacy policy legally required?

In most regimes yes — GDPR requires one for any EU users, and app stores require a public URL before approval. The specific obligation depends on where you operate and what you collect.

Does the policy need a lawful basis for the EU?

Under GDPR, yes — you need a documented legal basis (consent, contract, or legitimate interest) for each processing purpose. A policy that omits this is incomplete for EU users.

Can a generator replace my lawyer?

No. PolicyDeck produces a plain-English draft from your answers; counsel should review it, especially for high-risk data or regulated markets. A generated doc is a starting point, not legal advice.

What's the biggest mistake in app privacy policies?

The policy contradicts the app — claiming "we don't share data" while SDKs send events to ad networks. Audit dependencies and match the policy to reality.

Is a generated policy a guarantee of compliance?

No. A generated document is a template and a starting point. Compliance depends on your actual data practices and counsel review; the document alone is not a guarantee.

## Disclaimer

Disclaimer (template, not legal advice): PolicyDeck generates plain-English legal document templates (privacy policy, terms, EULA, cookie policy) from your answers. It is not a substitute for a qualified attorney, and a generated document is a starting point, not a guarantee that your app meets GDPR, CCPA, or any other regulation. Have counsel review before relying on a document, especially for high-risk data or regulated markets.

Generate a plain-English privacy policy that matches what your app actually does — try PolicyDeck — try PolicyDeck.