Privacy Policy for Mobile Apps
Everything you need to know about creating a compliant privacy policy for iOS and Android apps
Mobile apps typically collect:
- Device identifiers (UDID, advertising IDs)
- Location data (GPS, network-based)
- User account information (email, username, profile data)
- In-app purchase and payment data
- Analytics and crash reporting data
- Push notification tokens
- Camera, microphone, and photo library access
Apps without clear and compliant privacy policies risk rejection or removal from app stores.
Apple App Store Requirements
- Privacy policy URL must be provided during app submission
- Must disclose all data collection practices
- Must explain how data is used and shared
- Must comply with App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework
- Must disclose third party SDKs and their data practices
Google Play Store Requirements
- Privacy policy URL required in Play Console
- Must be accessible without requiring user registration
- Must disclose data collection, sharing, and security practices
- Must comply with Google Play's Data Safety section requirements
- Must explain permissions requested by the app
GDPR Compliance for Apps
If your app has users in the EU or UK, you must comply with GDPR requirements:
- Obtain consent where required and clearly explain the lawful basis for processing personal data
- Explain lawful basis for processing (consent, contractual necessity)
- Provide clear opt out mechanisms
- Allow data portability and deletion requests
- Disclose international data transfers and safeguards
CCPA/CPRA Compliance for Apps
If your app has California users, you must comply with CCPA/CPRA requirements:
- Disclose what personal information is collected
- Allow users to opt out of sale or sharing of data
- Provide a "Do Not Sell My Personal Information" link
- Respond to deletion requests within 45 days
- Not discriminate against users who exercise their rights
Using Generic Templates
Copy-pasting a generic privacy policy without customizing it for your app's specific data collection practices can lead to compliance violations and app store rejections. This is especially common with generic AI-generated policies.
Not Disclosing Third Party SDKs
Failing to mention analytics SDKs (Firebase, Mixpanel), advertising SDKs (Google Ads, Facebook Audience Network), or payment processors (Stripe, Apple Pay) creates legal risk.
Vague Permission Explanations
Simply stating "we collect location data" isn't enough. You must explain why (navigation, local recommendations) and how long it's retained.
Missing Data Retention Policies
Not specifying how long you retain user data violates GDPR requirements and can lead to regulatory fines.
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Structured around widely accepted GDPR and CCPA requirements. Not legal advice.
Is a privacy policy required to publish an app on the App Store or Play Store?
Yes, both Apple App Store and Google Play Store require a privacy policy URL during app submission. Apps without a compliant privacy policy will be rejected or removed from the stores.