With growing concerns over data security and regulatory scrutiny, advertisers must implement adequate advertising practices on Facebook. User privacy is no longer optional— it's a legal requirement.

To stay compliant with legal standards and Facebook’s advertising policies, businesses must understand data privacy regulations and Meta’s privacy requirements.

One of the key requirements for compliant use of Facebook Ads is a Privacy Policy. Businesses must have a clear and accessible Privacy Policy.

This guide covers why a Privacy Policy matters, what to include, and best practices and common mistakes for writing a compliant Privacy Policy.

Why Does Privacy Policy Matter for Facebook Advertising?

Privacy Policy for Facebook ads is a legal document that explains how your website or app collects, processes, shares, and protects user personal data that could be used for Facebook (Meta) advertising.

A Privacy Policy is not just a formality— it’s a legal requirement in most regions.

Facebook Ads rely on personal data for targeting and often collect users personal data such as names, email addresses, interests, or behavioral information through lead forms, pixels, or conversion tracking.

Data privacy laws require businesses collecting users personal data to have a privacy policy in place, among other requirements.

Meta itself also requires businesses running Facebook ads to have a privacy policy, since Meta is also regulated by data privacy laws.

Also, Facebook users care about their privacy and expect to know their personal data collection and management practices.

Thus, you need to have a transparent and compliant privacy policy for the following reasons:

• It’s a legal requirement.
• It allows you to run Facebook ad campaigns without being rejected by Meta.
• It helps you to build trust with your audience.

Violating the GDPR can lead to fines of up to €20 million or 4% of your company’s global annual revenue — whichever is higher. Even less severe breaches can still cost you up to €10 million or 2% of your worldwide turnover.

Key Legal Requirements for Facebook Ads Privacy Policies

privacy laws around the world impose strict obligations on how you collect, store, and use users’ personal data. You must meet Facebook Ads privacy compliance in all cases. Depending on your location and your audience’s location, you must comply with the laws like:

GDPR (EU/EEA)
First, you must have a lawful basis for data collection. Second, you must clearly disclose the data collection: what data you collect and why. Third, you are also required to provide mechanisms for users to exercise their rights.

CCPA (California)
Grants consumers rights over their personal data. Users have the right to know, delete, and opt out of their data selling.

UK Data Protection Act 2018 (UK)
Aligns with the GDPR's principles but is tailored for the UK's context, including specific provisions and exemptions for areas like national security, law enforcement, and UK intelligence services.

Other jurisdictions
Canada’s PIPEDA, Brazil’s LGPD, or Australia’s Privacy Act also demand transparency in data practices.

Failing to create a compliant privacy policy can lead to significant fines, restrictions, or even the shutdown of your advertising accounts, and decrease in user trust.

Which Facebook Ads Require a Privacy Policy?

Not all Facebook advertising requires a privacy policy. You need a privacy policy for ads that collect user Personal Information like names, email addresses, and phone numbers.

You need a Privacy Policy for lead ads, which are designed to collect personal data.

Facebook Lead Ads allows businesses to collect contact information directly from potential customers within the Facebook or Instagram platform using pre-filled forms.

These types of ads are specifically designed to remove the friction that is often involved in getting potential customers to share their information. These ads are designed to generate leads by providing an easy way for interested users to submit their details, which can then be integrated with CRM or email marketing platforms for efficient follow-up.

There are three types of Facebook Lead ads:

1. Lead ads with calling: Users can click a button on an ad to start a direct phone call.
2. Lead ads with instant form: Users can fill out a form, including their contact details, directly within the ad, without leaving Facebook. These leads could be used by marketing agencies, that could offer free consultations to potential customers.
3. Lead ads that click to message: These ads allow to open a direct chat with your business in Facebook Messenger.

By creating a privacy policy for the Facebook lead ads mentioned above, you will ensure compliance with Facebook Ads privacy standards.

What to Include in a Facebook Ads Privacy Policy?

Your Privacy Policy for Facebook ads must clearly explain how you collect, use, process, and safeguard Personal Information to comply with data protection laws worldwide.

Since most regulations have fairly consistent requirements for the Privacy Policy, writing a single policy that covers all data privacy laws is sufficient.

You’ll need to send the link to Meta when you set up Facebook ads. Without this document, you could not even set Facebook lead ads. If you remove your privacy policy or make irrelevant changes to the document later, Facebook ads could be later suspended.

It is important to place your privacy policy in an easy-to-find place on your website or app.

Your Privacy Policy for Facebook ads must include these key elements:

1. Types of data collected
   A Privacy Policy for Facebook ads should include information on the types of information you collect, including emails, phone numbers, cookies, or browsing behavior.
2. What do you do with the data
   Explain the reasons what you use user data for. In most cases, the data will be used for marketing, analytics, retargeting, or service improvement.
3. Data sharing and third-party providers
   Disclose integrations with third-party providers such as Google Ads, CRM tools, payment processors, or email marketing platforms. This is a crucial part of any privacy policy.
4. Legal basis for data processing
   Outline the legal bases for collecting Personal Information. The legal basis typically includes user consent, contractual necessity, or legitimate interest.
5. Data retention and deletion policies
   Explain how long you store user data and your deletion processes. For example, account and billing data may be retained as long as users maintain active accounts, while usage logs and analytics data typically could be retained for 12-24 months. Reveal all circumstances requiring longer retention, such as compliance with legal obligations or resolution of disputes.
6. User tracking
   Inform users about the types of cookies or other website trackers you use. Make sure to mention Facebook Pixel or Messenger bots, if you use them. To use cookies and other tracking technologies via your mobile app or website, you must obtain valid cookie consent before collecting any data. Under GDPR, user consent must be freely given, informed, and explicit.
7. opt-out mechanisms
   Data privacy laws allow users to withdraw consent at any time. Inform users how they can manage or opt out of consent if they choose to.
8. Data subject rights
   Inform users about their rights over their personal data, including the ability to access, correct, or delete their information.
9. How can users access, update, or delete their data?
   Users have the right to control their data. Explain how users could request access, make corrections, request deletion or portability of data, and provide the necessary contact details or links to execute these rights. Make sure to fulfill user rights upon request in the specified time period.
10. International transfers
    Inform users if you send their personal data abroad. List all safeguards you use when transferring data abroad.
11. Security measures
    Disclose thet security measures you use to protect customer data, such as SSL encryption, secure payment gateways, and limited staff access.
12. Contact information
    Explain how users can reach you when they have questions or concerns. Include a valid contact method, such as a support email address or a dedicated privacy contact form so that users can reach out with any questions or concerns regarding your privacy policy or their data management.
13. Actual date of the Privacy Policy
    Your Privacy Policy for Facebook ads should include the date it was last updated to show transparency and let users know when your practices were last reviewed.

Not sure if your website uses cookies? Scan your website for free and see what cookies, including Third-Party Cookies and Facebook pixels, your website uses:

Do You Need a Different Policy for Instagram or Messenger?

No, one common privacy policy is enough. Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger are Meta products, and Meta typically sets the same requirements for privacy policy.

However, make sure your privacy policy covers features and disclosures from all platforms:

• If you’re using Messenger bots or Instagram to collect different kinds of data via (e.g., story replies, DMs), you may need to add specific disclosures to your privacy policy.
• If you use platform-specific features, like Messenger lead forms, adjust the user consent text so it aligns with the relevant context.

Place your privacy policy in an accessible and easy-to-find place on all Meta’s platforms.

Best Practices for Writing a Transparent Privacy Policy

Use these best practices when writing your Privacy Policy for Facebook ads:

1. Use a custom privacy policy
   Avoid using vague templates to create a generic policy. Tailor the privacy policy to your specific ad campaigns, audience, and business model.
2. Use straightforward, simple language
   Use short sentences and avoid technical jargon. Keep your privacy policy concise but thorough.
3. Be transparent about data collection
   Disclose cookies, pixels, and retargeting without hiding user tracking. Transparency increases user trust.
4. Inform about third-party tracking
   If you’re using Facebook Pixel, retargeting via Google Ads, integrating with analytics tools, or other third-party tracking tools, disclose this tracking and provide users with an option to opt in or opt out.
5. Highlight user rights
   Explain user rights over their personal data and opt-out options clearly.
6. Highlight security measures
   Security of user personal data must be an important factor not only in theory, but also in practice.
7. Use headings, bullets, and links for readability
   Help users scan for relevant sections quickly.
8. Use Facebook’s privacy-focused ads tools
   Use Facebook’s built-in ads tools, such as Aggregated Event Measurement, Conversion API, and Restricted Data Processing.
9. Make it mobile-optimized
   Ensure your privacy policy page is mobile-friendly and easy to read.
10. Update it regularly
    Requirements of data regulations change constantly. Facebook also regularly updates its policies, setting new requirements what to include in your privacy policy for lead gen campaigns. Review your privacy policy at least once a year and show the “last updated” date.

Facebook provides built-in tools that enhance user privacy while allowing advertisers to reach their advertising campaigns effectively:

• Aggregated Event Measurement
  Helps measure ad performance from users who have opted out of tracking. It allows advertisers to select and prioritize a limited number of web events for campaign optimization and ad delivery while respecting user privacy.
• Conversion API
  The Conversions API helps to create direct server-to-server data sharing between marketing data and Meta, reducing reliance on browser cookies. The data is shared between your server, website platform, app, or CRM.
• Restricted Data Processing (RDP)
  Assists advertisers in complying with US state-level privacy laws.

Use the CookieScript Privacy Policy Generator for Facebook to write a transparent privacy policy:

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Facebook Ads Privacy Policies

Here are the most common mistakes for Privacy Policies for Facebook ads. Make sure to avoid them.

1. Broken privacy policy link
   Ensure your privacy policy URL is active and accessible on both desktop and mobile.
2. Using generic templates
   Generic templates without customization to your business may not reflect your actual data management practices, which could lead to legal consequences or platform penalties.
3. Missing required disclosures
   Read carefully Facebook’s ad policies and privacy requirements. Include all required information, especially if you’re using Meta Pixel or Instant Forms.
4. Not updating your policy
   Update the privacy policy when your data practices change or when Facebook updates its policies.
5. Hidden privacy policy link
   Hiding the policy link or making it difficult to access may lead to the suspension of your Facebook ads campaigns.
6. Incomplete disclosure
   Failing to disclose Facebook Pixel tracking or retargeting practices could violate the requirements of Facebook privacy policy.

These mistakes can cause Facebook to disapprove your ads or suspend your ad account.

How to Make Your Privacy Policy Facebook-Compliant?

A compliant privacy policy is not only a legal requirement by data privacy laws; it is also required by Facebook itself.

Facebook requires advertisers to have a valid privacy policy and provide a link to it whenever they collect personal data through lead forms, landing pages, or pixel tracking.

If you don’t have a privacy policy in place or provide a valid link to it, your Facebook ads campaign could be rejected or suspended.

To comply with Facebook requirements, use these recommendations:

• Create a complaint privacy policy for your website or app.
• Use plain, accessible language instead of legal jargon.
• Avoid vague or too broad disclosures.
• Make sure the policy reflects your actual data practices.
• Provide a direct, working link to your privacy policy.

Keeping Your Privacy Policy Updated and Compliant

A privacy policy isn’t a one-time event. To keep it compliant, follow these recommendations:

1. Review it at least once a year.
2. Update it when you add new data collection methods (e.g., new lead forms).
3. Monitor changes in data privacy laws.
4. Keep your Facebook Business Manager information consistent with your policy.

Regular updates ensure compliance with data privacy laws, allow you to run Facebook ad campaigns without your ad suspension, and help maintain user trust.

How to Display and Link Your Privacy Policy in Facebook Ads?

Follow these steps to add your privacy policy URL to Facebook Lead Ads:

1. Go to Ads Manager and create a new ad campaign.
2. Choose Get more Leads as your goal.
3. Click on Create form in the Ad creative.
4. In the Privacy section of the Instant Form editor:
5. Click on Add Privacy Policy.
6. Add your privacy policy link and save.

To stay compliant, always link your privacy policy where personal data is collected:

• Lead Ads
  Add the privacy policy link in the instant form setup.
• Landing Pages
  Include the link in the footer and near any signup forms.
• Messenger Ads
  Provide access to your privacy policy through automated replies or links.

The place of your privacy policy and visibility matter just as much as the content itself.

Make sure your privacy policy page is working on both websites and apps. Test your privacy policy before publishing.

Privacy Policy Generators for Facebook Ads Compliance

There are several options for creating your privacy policy for Facebook ads: you can write the privacy policy yourself, hire a lawyer, or use a Privacy Policy Generator.

Some users use AI to create a privacy policy. However, keep in mind that a ChatGPT or other AI tool-written Privacy Policy is not a legally binding document and is not compliant with privacy laws. Such a Privacy Policy could lead to fines or lawsuits in the case of a data breach.

Read the article on whether AI can create a Privacy Policy. 

When hiring a lawyer, ensure they have experience in international data protection laws and are up-to-date with the constantly changing requirements. Keep in mind that this level of expertise comes at a price.

A reliable and cost-saving option to create a privacy policy for Facebook ads is to use an online Privacy Policy Generator.

Many users use the CookieScript Privacy Policy Generator to create the privacy policy for Facebook ads.

In Spring 2025, CookieScript earned its fourth consecutive Leader badge on G2, the popular peer-reviewed platform, remaining the top CMP on the market for an entire year. 

CookieScript Privacy Policy Generator has the following features:

• It can create a privacy policy for Facebook ads, tailored for lead generation and ad campaigns.
• CookieScript-generated Privacy Policy will be automatically updated, so you don’t need to follow the changes in data privacy laws yourself.
• CookieScript-generated Privacy Policy will meet GDPR, CCPA, and other legal requirements.
• CookieScript offers a Cookie Scanner, which allows you to scan your website for cookies, local storage, session storage, and other trackers, and add them to your privacy policy.
• CookieScript is trusted by more than 150,000 websites and many global brands, including Hyundai, LG, Suzuki, ISS, DTU, and others, so you can also trust in CookieScript.
• Users value it. In 2024, users ranked CookieScript CMP on G2, a peer-reviewed website, as the best CMP for small and medium-sized companies. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Privacy Policy for Facebook advertising?

Privacy Policy for Facebook ads is a legal document that explains how your website or app collects, processes, shares, and protects user personal data that could be used for Facebook (Meta) advertising. A privacy policy is not just a formality— it’s a legal requirement by most privacy laws.

Do I need a privacy policy to run Facebook ads?

Yes, you need a privacy policy to run Facebook Ads, as is required by most data privacy laws and Meta itself. Use the CookieScript Privacy Policy Generator to create a compliant privacy policy for your Facebook ads.

What happens if you don’t have a privacy policy for your Facebook ads?

Failing to create a compliant privacy policy can lead to big fines, restrictions, or even shutdown of your advertising accounts, and a decrease in user trust. Use the CookieScript Privacy Policy Generator to create a compliant privacy policy for your Facebook ads.

What are the GDPR requirements for the Privacy Policy for Facebook ads?

GDPR requires explicit user consent to handle user personal data collected using Facebook. It also requires a legal basis for data processing. The law requires you to implement adequate security measures to protect user data. GDPR also gives users rights over their data.

Which Facebook Ads Require a Privacy Policy?

Not all Facebook advertising requires a privacy policy. It is required for lead ads, which are designed to collect personal data. You need a Privacy Policy for lead ads with calling, for lead ads with instant form, and for lead ads that click to message. CookieScript Privacy Policy Generator can help you to create a compliant privacy policy for your Facebook ads.

Do You Need a Different Policy for Instagram or Messenger?

No, one common privacy policy is enough. Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger are Meta products, and Meta typically sets the same requirements for privacy policy. However, make sure your privacy policy covers features and disclosures from all platforms. Use CookieScript CMP to comply with privacy laws such as GDPR.

How to Make Your Privacy Policy Facebook-Compliant?

To comply with Facebook requirements, you should use plain, accessible language; avoid vague or too broad disclosures; make sure the policy reflects your actual data practices, and provide a direct and working link to your privacy policy.

How to create a privacy policy for Facebook Ads?

There are several options for creating your privacy policy for Facebook ads. You can write the privacy policy yourself, hire a lawyer, or use a Privacy Policy Generator. It is recommended to use a Privacy Policy Generator from platforms like CookieScript, since it is a reliable and cost-saving option to create a compliant privacy policy. CookieScript-generated Privacy Policy will be automatically updated so you can avoid non-compliance risks.