> PostgreSQL and GDPR: security, encryption, pgAudit, row level security and practical compliance steps for self-hosted and cloud managed deployments. > > Canonical: https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/other/postgresql Other # PostgreSQL Unclassified · [Official website](https://www.postgresql.org/) PostgreSQL is an advanced open source relational database management system known for its reliability, extensibility, and SQL compliance. Developed by a global community with no single corporate owner, it is widely used for web applications, geospatial data (PostGIS), analytics, and enterprise systems. As a self hosted open source tool, PostgreSQL provides maximum data sovereignty with no third party data processing involved. [Block PostgreSQL until consent](https://app.flowconsent.com/auth/sign-up?utm_source=flowconsent.com\&utm_medium=referral\&utm_campaign=other) · [Scan my site](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/scan) At a glance - Category [Other](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/services/other) - Consent Unclassified - Prior consent Not required - Documented cookies 1 - Third-party domains 3 - Servers Self hosted: customer controlled. Cloud managed options (AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, Azure Database, Supabase, Neon) with configurable regions including EU Overview ## What does PostgreSQL do? ## **What Is PostgreSQL?** PostgreSQL is an advanced open source object relational database management system with over 35 years of development history. It is developed by a global community of contributors and governed by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group, with no single corporate owner. PostgreSQL is known for its reliability, data integrity, extensibility, and standards compliance. It supports advanced features including JSONB document storage, full text search, geospatial data (via PostGIS), row level security, and sophisticated indexing. It is available for self hosting or via numerous cloud managed services including AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, Azure Database, Supabase, Neon, and many EU hosted providers. ## **Data Collected and Storage Approach** PostgreSQL operates at the infrastructure layer and does not set browser cookies or interact with end users directly. The personal data it stores is entirely determined by the application. PostgreSQL provides powerful tools for data organisation including schemas, views, and row level security policies. The pgAudit extension enables comprehensive audit logging of database operations. PostgreSQL supports SSL/TLS for encryption in transit, and encryption at rest can be achieved via filesystem level encryption, the pg\_tde extension, or cloud provider managed encryption. These features make PostgreSQL well suited for privacy sensitive applications. ## **GDPR and ePrivacy Implications** PostgreSQL is one of the most privacy friendly database choices available due to its open source nature and lack of any corporate telemetry or data collection. Self hosted deployments involve no third party data processing whatsoever, giving organisations complete data sovereignty. The row level security (RLS) feature is particularly valuable for GDPR compliance as it enables fine grained access control at the data level, ensuring users can only access data they are authorised to view. For cloud managed deployments, the GDPR implications depend on the chosen provider: organisations should evaluate the provider's DPA, data residency options, and subprocessor relationships independently of PostgreSQL itself. ## **Consent and Legal Basis Requirements** PostgreSQL does not require any consent from end users as it is purely an infrastructure component. The legal basis for storing personal data depends entirely on the application: contract performance (Art. 6(1)(b)), legitimate interest (Art. 6(1)(f)), or consent (Art. 6(1)(a)) depending on the data category and processing purpose. Organisations must implement consent mechanisms at the application layer. PostgreSQL's JSONB support makes it easy to store and query consent records alongside user data, while row level security can enforce data access based on consent status. ## **International Data Transfers** Self hosted PostgreSQL involves no international data transfers by default. The data resides wherever the organisation deploys the server. For cloud managed PostgreSQL, transfers depend on the provider and region: AWS RDS offers EU regions (Ireland, Frankfurt, Stockholm, Paris, Milan), Supabase offers EU regions, and numerous EU based providers (Scaleway, Hetzner, OVHcloud) offer managed PostgreSQL entirely within the EU. Organisations should select an EU region if GDPR compliance is a priority and document the deployment configuration in their Records of Processing Activities. ## **Practical Compliance Steps** Enable SSL/TLS for all connections with certificate verification. Configure encryption at rest via filesystem encryption or pg\_tde. Implement role based access control with least privilege principles. Enable row level security for multi tenant applications. Install and configure pgAudit for comprehensive query logging. Design your schema to support data subject rights: index personal data fields, create views for data export (portability), and implement soft delete or archival patterns for the right to erasure. Create data retention policies using PostgreSQL's built in event triggers or scheduled jobs via pg\_cron. For cloud managed deployments: review the provider's DPA, select an EU region, enable provider managed encryption, and verify backup residency. Conduct a DPIA if storing sensitive personal data at scale. Compliance ## PostgreSQL and the GDPR - Legal basis Contract performance for database service provision (Art. 6(1)(b)), legitimate interest for security and operations (Art. 6(1)(f)) - Risk level low - Applicable regulations GDPR, ePrivacy Directive, UK GDPR (compliance depends on deployment configuration and cloud provider if applicable) ### Impact assessment (DPIA) A DPIA is recommended when PostgreSQL stores personal data at scale. Key areas: data categories stored (application dependent), encryption at rest (using pg\_tde or filesystem encryption) and in transit (SSL/TLS), role based access control and row level security (RLS), audit logging via pgAudit extension, backup encryption and residency, and for cloud managed services: the provider's DPA, data region, and subprocessor relationships. ### Sample text for your banner > This application stores data in a PostgreSQL database operated under our direct control. Data processing is performed in accordance with applicable data protection regulations. For details about how your personal data is processed and your rights, please refer to our privacy policy. Cookies and trackers ## What PostgreSQL sets and contacts - Tracking method server side relational database engine (self hosted or cloud managed), no end user cookies, connection logging, query auditing via pgAudit - Server location Self hosted: customer controlled. Cloud managed options (AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, Azure Database, Supabase, Neon) with configurable regions including EU - Cookieless mode available Yes ### Cookies set (1) | Name | Type | Duration | Purpose | | ---- | ------------- | -------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | N/A | functionality | N/A | PostgreSQL as a database engine does not set any browser cookies. It operates entirely at the server infrastructure layer with no direct end user interaction via browsers. | ### Third-party domains contacted (3) - `www.postgresql.org` - `apt.postgresql.org` - `yum.postgresql.org` Questions ## Frequently asked questions about PostgreSQL Can't find your question? Write to us, we answer fast. [Write to us](https://www.flowconsent.com/en/demo) ### What cookies does PostgreSQL set? PostgreSQL does not set any browser cookies. It is a server side database engine with no direct end user interaction. The postgresql.org website sets analytics cookies, but these are unrelated to the database software itself. ### Is consent required for PostgreSQL under GDPR? No consent is required for PostgreSQL itself. Applications must implement their own consent mechanisms at the application layer. PostgreSQL provides features like JSONB and row level security that can help implement consent management systems. ### What is the legal basis for processing data through PostgreSQL? Depends on the application: contract performance (Art. 6(1)(b)), legitimate interest (Art. 6(1)(f)), or consent (Art. 6(1)(a)). PostgreSQL is a tool and the organisation must determine the legal basis for each data category stored. ### Does PostgreSQL transfer data to the United States? Self hosted PostgreSQL involves no third party transfers. Cloud managed services depend on the provider and region selected. Many EU hosted options exist: Scaleway, Hetzner, OVHcloud, and EU regions of AWS RDS, Supabase, and Neon. ### Is a DPIA required for PostgreSQL? Recommended if storing personal data at scale or sensitive data. Focus on application layer concerns: data categories, encryption, access controls, pgAudit logging, and for cloud deployments, the provider's compliance posture. ### How do I implement GDPR compliance for PostgreSQL? Enable SSL/TLS, encryption at rest, RBAC, row level security, and pgAudit. Design schema to support data subject rights. Implement retention policies via pg\_cron. For cloud: select EU region, review provider DPA, verify backup residency. ### Are there privacy friendly alternatives to PostgreSQL? PostgreSQL itself is already one of the most privacy friendly database options due to being fully open source with no corporate telemetry. Alternatives include MariaDB, SQLite (embedded), and CockroachDB (distributed). Self hosted PostgreSQL provides maximum data sovereignty. ### How should I update my cookie policy for PostgreSQL? PostgreSQL is an infrastructure component not visible to end users. No cookie policy entry is needed for the database. 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