How to Use Magento 2’s Customer Data Privacy Tools (GDPR Compliance)

How to Use Magento 2’s Customer Data Privacy Tools (GDPR Compliance)

If you run an online store, you’ve probably heard about GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). It’s a set of rules designed to protect customer data in the EU, but it affects businesses worldwide. Magento 2 comes with built-in tools to help you stay compliant, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use them—even if you’re new to this.

Why GDPR Compliance Matters

GDPR isn’t just about avoiding fines (though those can be hefty—up to €20 million or 4% of global revenue). It’s about building trust with your customers. When shoppers know their data is handled securely, they’re more likely to buy from you.

Magento 2 includes several features to help you:

  • Collect and manage consent
  • Allow customers to access, edit, or delete their data
  • Anonymize or export data upon request

Step 1: Enable GDPR Settings in Magento Admin

First, log in to your Magento admin panel and navigate to:

Stores → Configuration → Customers → Privacy

Here, you’ll find key settings:

  • Enable GDPR – Turn this on to activate privacy features.
  • Cookie Restriction Mode – Forces customers to consent before cookies are stored.
  • Privacy Policy Link – Add a link to your privacy policy in the footer.

Once enabled, customers will see consent checkboxes during checkout and registration.

Step 2: Set Up a Privacy Policy Page

You need a clear, easy-to-find privacy policy. Here’s how to add one:

  1. Go to Content → Pages and create a new page.
  2. Add your privacy policy text (you can use a GDPR-compliant template).
  3. Under Design, set the page layout to "1 column."
  4. Save and assign it in Stores → Configuration → Customers → Privacy.

Step 3: Manage Customer Consent

Magento 2 tracks customer consent for:

  • Newsletter subscriptions
  • User account creation
  • Checkout agreements

To view consent logs, go to:

Customers → Privacy → Consent Log

This shows who consented, when, and for what purpose.

Step 4: Handle Data Access & Deletion Requests

Under GDPR, customers can request:

  • A copy of their data (Right to Access)
  • Data deletion (Right to Be Forgotten)

Magento automates these requests. When a customer asks to delete their account, go to:

Customers → Privacy → Data Erasure

Select the customer and anonymize their data. Magento will:

  • Scramble personal details (name, email, address)
  • Keep order history for legal compliance (but without personal info)

Step 5: Export Customer Data (Right to Portability)

If a customer asks for their data, you can export it in a machine-readable format (like JSON or XML).

  1. Go to Customers → Privacy → Export Customer Data.
  2. Enter the customer’s email.
  3. Magento generates a file with their orders, addresses, and account details.

Bonus: GDPR Extensions for Extra Protection

Magento’s built-in tools cover the basics, but if you need more, check out these extensions:

  • Magefan GDPR – Adds cookie consent banners and detailed logs.
  • Amasty GDPR – Offers customizable pop-ups and automated data processing.

Final Thoughts

GDPR compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Magento 2’s built-in tools, you can manage customer data securely and build trust with shoppers. Enable the settings, set up your privacy policy, and you’re good to go!

Need help? Magefine offers hosting and extensions to make GDPR compliance even easier.