Polymer
Polymer is an open-source Web Components library developed by Google. It is the predecessor to Lit (LitElement) and provides tools for building custom HTML elements using web standards. As an open-source library, Polymer itself has no GDPR implications. Obligations arise from the application built with Polymer and the data it processes.
What does Polymer do?
What is Polymer?
Polymer is an open-source JavaScript library developed by Google for building Web Components using standard web platform APIs. It was one of the earliest Web Components frameworks and paved the way for the current Web Components ecosystem. Polymer has been succeeded by Lit (LitElement), which Google now recommends for new projects. Polymer is still maintained and used in existing applications but is no longer actively developed with new features. Like Lit, it is a UI component library with no data processing capabilities.
GDPR and Polymer
Polymer has no GDPR implications. It is a UI component framework that manages custom element lifecycle, data binding, and shadow DOM. It does not collect data, set cookies, or communicate with any server. GDPR obligations arise entirely from the application built with Polymer and the data it processes.
CDN loading considerations
Polymer is available via npm and can be loaded from CDNs. Loading from public CDNs causes visitor IP logging. For GDPR compliance, include Polymer in your application bundle via npm and serve it from your own infrastructure.
Migration to Lit
Google recommends migrating from Polymer to Lit for new and existing projects. Lit is Polymer's direct successor with a simpler API, smaller bundle size, and active development. Migration guides are available from the Lit team. From a GDPR perspective, Lit and Polymer have identical compliance profiles.
Practical compliance steps
Bundle Polymer via npm rather than loading from CDNs. Apply GDPR compliance at the application level. Consider migrating to Lit for better long-term support. No specific GDPR actions are required for the Polymer library itself.
Polymer and the GDPR
- Legal basis
- Polymer is a library, not a data processor. GDPR obligations arise from the application built with it.
- Risk level
- low
- Applicable regulations
- GDPR compliance is the responsibility of the application developer
Impact assessment (DPIA)
A DPIA is not required for Polymer itself. It may be required for applications using Polymer that process personal data at large scale or perform automated decision-making.
Sample text for your banner
This application uses Polymer Web Components. Data collection and processing within this application are described in our privacy policy.
What Polymer sets and contacts
- Tracking method
- Open-source Web Components library by Google, no client-side tracking by default
- Server location
- Self-hosted (deployer infrastructure)
- Cookieless mode available
- Yes
Cookies set (1)
| Name | Type | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| polymer_none | session | Session | Polymer sets no cookies: it is a UI component library with no data collection |
Third-party domains contacted (2)
polymer-library.polymer-project.orgunpkg.com
Frequently asked questions about Polymer
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Is Polymer subject to GDPR?
No. Polymer is an open-source Web Components library. GDPR applies to the application built with Polymer, not to the library itself.
Does Polymer set cookies?
No. Polymer does not set any cookies. Any cookies in a Polymer-based application are set by the developer or by third-party services the application integrates.
Does loading Polymer from a CDN create GDPR issues?
Minor. Public CDNs log visitor IP addresses. Bundle Polymer via npm to avoid CDN IP logging.
Should I migrate from Polymer to Lit?
From a GDPR perspective, both have identical profiles. Google recommends Lit for new projects as Polymer's active successor with a simpler API and smaller bundle size.
Do I need a DPIA for my Polymer application?
Not for Polymer itself. A DPIA may be required for specific application features processing large-scale personal data or performing automated decision-making.
How do I make my Polymer application GDPR compliant?
Apply GDPR compliance at the application level: consent management, data subject rights, data minimisation, access controls, and DPAs with backend services. Bundle Polymer via npm for self-hosting.
Is Polymer still actively maintained?
Polymer is in maintenance mode. Google recommends migrating to Lit. The Polymer team published migration guides and Lit is compatible with Polymer custom elements via the Web Components standard.
Does Polymer need to appear in my privacy policy?
No. The framework does not process data. Only the data processing within your application needs to be described, along with any third-party services integrated.
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