Does your website use third-party services? Get GDPR compliant in minutes.
Try FlowConsentFree plan · 10-min setup
Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform used by millions of merchants worldwide. As a data processor for merchant stores, Shopify handles customer personal data including names, addresses, email addresses, payment tokens, and purchase history on behalf of the merchant (data controller). GDPR compliance requires merchants to sign a DPA with Shopify, implement cookie consent for non-essential tracking, maintain a compliant privacy policy, and honour customer data subject rights. Shopify provides built-in GDPR tools including customer data export and deletion.
Shopify is a cloud-based e-commerce platform used by millions of merchants to build and operate online stores. Merchants use Shopify to manage their product catalogue, process orders, handle payments, manage inventory, and run marketing campaigns. Shopify processes a substantial amount of customer personal data on behalf of merchants: names, email addresses, shipping addresses, payment tokens, order history, and browsing behaviour.
The GDPR relationship for Shopify stores is: the merchant is the data controller (you decide why and how customer data is processed), and Shopify is the data processor (they process it on your behalf). This means merchants bear primary GDPR responsibility. Shopify acts as an independent controller only for its own business purposes (billing the merchant, fraud detection across the Shopify platform). Sign Shopify''s Data Processing Addendum to establish the processor relationship.
Shopify sets strictly necessary cookies for cart management (_shopify_s, _shopify_sa_t) and checkout (_checkout_token, cart) that do not require consent. However, Shopify stores typically add analytics apps (Google Analytics, Pixel), marketing apps (email, advertising), and product recommendation apps that introduce non-essential cookies requiring consent. Use Shopify''s built-in cookie consent banner or a dedicated CMP app from the Shopify App Store.
Get GDPR compliant in 10 minutes
Free plan available · No credit card required
Shopify provides built-in tools for GDPR compliance: customer data export (Admin, Customers, export), customer account deletion (removes order history), and request handling. For EU customers, you must respond to access and erasure requests within 30 days. Shopify''s customer deletion removes their personal data from your store''s active database, though some data is retained for legal obligations (tax records).
Sign Shopify''s DPA. Add a GDPR-compliant cookie consent banner. Write a privacy policy covering all data processing (orders, marketing, analytics). Audit all installed Shopify apps for their own data processing. Set up a customer data request process. Configure email marketing with proper double opt-in. Disclose all third-party apps and services in your privacy policy.
Websites using Shopify must obtain user consent under GDPR regulations.
DPIA considerations
A DPIA is recommended for Shopify stores using extensive customer profiling, behavioural advertising across multiple ad platforms, or processing health or sensitive purchase data (pharmacies, medical devices). Standard e-commerce processing typically does not require a DPIA.
Sample consent text
This store uses cookies for essential shopping functions (cart, checkout) which are strictly necessary. We also use analytics and marketing cookies to improve your experience and show relevant ads. You can manage your preferences below.
Third-party domains contacted
shopify.comcdn.shopify.commonorail.shopifycloud.comCookies placed
| Name | Type | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| _shopify_y | persistent | 1 year | Shopify analytics visitor identifier tracking unique visitors across sessions |
| _shopify_s | session | Session | Shopify analytics session cookie grouping page views within a single visit |
This service may collect user data. Ensure GDPR compliance with FlowConsent.
Shopify provides GDPR infrastructure but compliance depends on merchant configuration. Merchants must sign Shopify's DPA, install cookie consent, write a privacy policy, configure marketing opt-ins, and audit all installed apps.
The merchant is the data controller — you decide what customer data to collect and why. Shopify is your data processor. Sign Shopify's Data Processing Addendum to formalise this relationship.
No. Shopify cart cookies (_shopify_s, _shopify_sa_t, cart) are strictly necessary for checkout. These cannot be blocked without breaking the store and do not require consent under ePrivacy.
In Shopify Admin, go to Customers, open the profile, and select Delete customer. Respond within 30 days. Note that Shopify retains some data for legal obligations such as financial records.
Yes. Each app creates a new data processor relationship. Review each app's privacy policy and DPA. Apps with advertising or analytics require consent management integration.
Yes. Shopify is Canadian with North American infrastructure. EU data transfers to Canada (adequate) and US (SCCs required). Sign Shopify's EU DPA covering these transfers.
Shopify's Customer Privacy API allows themes and apps to check visitor consent before loading non-essential tracking — enabling GDPR-compliant conditional analytics and marketing app loading.
Options: Shopify's built-in cookie banner (basic, free), CMP apps from the App Store (Cookiebot, Consentmo, Pandectes GDPR), or a custom CMP script via theme.liquid. Ensure Google Consent Mode v2 integration for ad platforms.