Introduction

Privacy Policy Settings allow you to link your website’s privacy policy and cookie policy documents directly to your GDPR compliance banner. These links ensure users can access detailed information about your data collection practices before giving consent, which is a fundamental GDPR requirement.

Properly configured privacy policy settings demonstrate transparency and help build trust with your visitors while ensuring legal compliance.

Accessing Privacy Policy Settings

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard
  2. Navigate to Settings → PureDevs GDPR compliance
  3. Click the Privacy Policy Settings tab
  4. Configure your privacy policy links and text
  5. Click Save Changes at the bottom
Before You Start

Ensure you have already created your Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy pages in WordPress before configuring these settings. You’ll need the page URLs.

Setting: Terms of Service URL

Description:

  • Link to your Terms of Service or Terms and Conditions
  • Optional for GDPR but common on commercial sites
  • Provides legal terms for site usage
  • Can be included in cookie banner for convenience

When to Include Terms of Service:

  • E-commerce sites (purchase terms)
  • Subscription services (service agreements)
  • Sites with user-generated content (usage rules)
  • SaaS applications (software license terms)

When to Skip:

  • Simple informational/blog sites
  • No commercial transactions
  • No user accounts or registrations
  • Want to keep banner simple and focused

Example Configurations

Simple Blog/Website

Banner Message:
"We use cookies to improve your experience. By using our site,
you agree to our Privacy Policy."

Privacy Policy Link: https://yoursite.com/privacy-policy/
Link Text: "Privacy Policy"
Link Behavior: Open in new tab
Cookie Policy: Not configured (info included in privacy policy)
Terms of Service: Not configured

E-commerce Site

Banner Message:
"We use cookies to personalize content and analyze traffic.
Learn more in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy."

Privacy Policy Link: https://shop.com/privacy/
Cookie Policy Link: https://shop.com/cookie-policy/
Terms of Service Link: https://shop.com/terms/
Link Behavior: Open in new tab for all
Link Style: Bold, underlined, brand color

High-Compliance Site (Healthcare/Finance)

Banner Message:
"We collect and process personal data. Please review our
Privacy Notice and Cookie Information before proceeding."

Privacy Policy Link: https://medicalsite.com/privacy-notice/
Cookie Policy Link: https://medicalsite.com/cookie-information/
Terms of Service Link: https://medicalsite.com/terms-of-use/
Link Behavior: Open as modal (keep user on page)
Link Style: Bold, always underlined, high contrast
Additional: Include icon indicating new window/modal

Accessibility Requirements

WCAG 2.1 Compliance

Ensure your privacy policy links meet accessibility standards:

Color Contrast

  • Links must have 4.5:1 contrast ratio with background (Level AA)
  • 7:1 contrast ratio for Level AAA compliance
  • Use online contrast checkers to verify

Keyboard Navigation

  • Links must be keyboard accessible (Tab key)
  • Visible focus indicator when link is selected
  • Logical tab order (left to right, top to bottom)

Screen Reader Support

  • Use descriptive link text (not “click here” or “learn more”)
  • Add aria-label if link opens in new window: aria-label=”Privacy Policy (opens in new tab)”
  • Ensure link purpose is clear from text alone

Touch Targets

  • Links should be at least 44×44 pixels for mobile
  • Adequate spacing between multiple links
  • Easy to tap without accidentally hitting adjacent elements

Common Issues and Solutions

Links not clickable

  • Check that URLs are properly formatted (include http:// or https://)
  • Verify no CSS z-index issues blocking links
  • Ensure links aren’t disabled in banner settings
  • Clear cache and test again

Links open to 404 page

  • Verify privacy policy page is published (not draft)
  • Check URL is correct and complete
  • Ensure page isn’t password protected or private
  • Test URL directly in browser address bar

Links hard to see/read

  • Increase color contrast with background
  • Add or strengthen underline styling
  • Consider making links bold
  • Use a different link color that stands out more

Links don’t open in new tab

  • Verify “Open in new tab” setting is enabled
  • Check that target=”_blank” attribute is added to links
  • Some browser settings may override this behavior
  • Test in different browsers

Best Practices Summary

  • ✅ Always include a link to your Privacy Policy (required)
  • ✅ Use clear, descriptive link text (“Privacy Policy” not “Click Here”)
  • ✅ Open links in new tab to preserve user’s place
  • ✅ Ensure links are visually distinct and accessible
  • ✅ Include Cookie Policy link if you have extensive cookie usage
  • ✅ Test all links regularly to ensure they work
  • ✅ Meet WCAG accessibility standards for links
  • ✅ Keep privacy policy up to date and comprehensive
  • ❌ Don’t use vague link text like “Learn More” or “Click Here”
  • ❌ Don’t hide links in small print or make them hard to find
  • ❌ Don’t link to non-existent or incomplete privacy policies
  • ❌ Don’t rely on color alone to indicate links