Do we need to disclose Socket.IO in our privacy policy?

Yes. Socket.IO transmits user data in real-time event payloads and connection metadata, making it a data processing technology that must be disclosed. Under GDPR and CCPA, any technology collecting or transmitting user information requires privacy policy documentation. Omission creates legal compliance gaps and violates transparency obligations.

What specific data does Socket.IO collect?

Socket.IO collects real-time event payloads (content determined by your application logic), connection metadata including session IDs, socket IDs, connection timestamps, and IP addresses. The nature and sensitivity of event payload data depends entirely on what your application sends through Socket.IO—it may include user messages, form submissions, location data, or other custom application data.

Does Socket.IO require a cookie consent banner?

No. Socket.IO does not use HTTP cookies by default. However, if your implementation uses cookies for session persistence or authentication alongside Socket.IO, those require consent disclosure. Always audit your specific configuration, as some Socket.IO deployments may employ cookies for fallback transport mechanisms.

Who processes Socket.IO data and where is it stored?

By default, Socket.IO is self-hosted—your organization controls and processes all data on your own infrastructure. No third-party data transfer occurs unless you explicitly configure a third-party message broker or deploy Socket.IO on managed hosting (AWS, Heroku, etc.). Document your specific hosting arrangement in your privacy policy.

Social & Communication

Privacy policy clauses for Socket.IO

Socket.IO is a real-time communication library that enables bidirectional event-based messaging between web browsers and servers. Websites use it to deliver live updates, notifications, and interactive features without page refreshes.

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What data Socket.IO collects

Your privacy policy must disclose each of the following data types when you use Socket.IO.

Real-time event payloads (application-defined)

Connection metadata and session IDs

When does Socket.IO trigger privacy obligations?

Socket.IO creates privacy obligations the moment you establish real-time bidirectional communication with users, because it immediately begins collecting and transmitting connection metadata (session IDs, socket IDs, IP addresses, timestamps) and event payloads (application-defined data that you control).

### GDPR triggers

If your users include EU residents, GDPR Article 13 (fair processing) and Article 6 (lawful basis) activate immediately. Socket.IO's session IDs and connection metadata constitute personal data under GDPR recital 26 because they can identify individuals either directly or in combination with other data your application holds. You must document a lawful basis (consent, contract, legitimate interest, etc.) *before* the connection is established.

### CCPA triggers

If you operate in California or serve California residents, CCPA Section 1798.100 requires you to disclose at or before collection that you collect unique identifiers (socket IDs, session IDs) and internet activity (connection events, real-time interactions). You must also offer a right to delete.

Privacy policy clauses for Socket.IO

What data Socket.IO collects

When does Socket.IO trigger privacy obligations?

Common compliance pitfalls

Treating event payloads as non-personal data

Missing lawful basis for session tracking

Failing to update Data Processing Agreements (DPAs)

Legal note

Sample privacy policy clause

What regulators look for

Frequently asked questions

Do we need to disclose Socket.IO in our privacy policy?

What specific data does Socket.IO collect?

Does Socket.IO require a cookie consent banner?

Who processes Socket.IO data and where is it stored?

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