Does TypeORM require disclosure in our privacy policy?

Yes. TypeORM processes application data according to your entity definitions and database schema, making it a material part of your data handling infrastructure. You must disclose what data TypeORM stores and manages, which depends entirely on the entities and fields you configure. Omitting TypeORM disclosure creates compliance gaps under GDPR and CCPA.

What specific data does TypeORM collect?

TypeORM itself collects no data independently. It processes only the data you explicitly define in your TypeORM entities and persist to your connected database. This may include personal information like names, emails, or user IDs—depending on your entity design. You are responsible for auditing your entities to identify any personally identifiable information (PII) stored through TypeORM.

Does TypeORM require a cookie consent banner?

No. TypeORM does not use cookies, tracking pixels, or client-side storage mechanisms. It operates server-side as a database abstraction layer. If your application uses cookies for authentication or analytics, those require separate disclosure and consent—but not because of TypeORM itself.

Who is the data processor for TypeORM, and where is data transferred?

TypeORM is self-hosted software; there is no third-party processor. Data remains within your own database infrastructure and is not transferred to external vendors. You control the database server location and security. If your database is hosted on a cloud provider (AWS, Azure, etc.), that provider becomes a separate data processor requiring its own data processing agreement.

Database & ORM

Privacy policy clauses for TypeORM

TypeORM is a decorator-based Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) library for TypeScript and JavaScript that enables developers to define, query, and manage data stored in relational databases. Websites use TypeORM to abstract database operations and ensure type-safe data handling within their applications.

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What data TypeORM collects

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

Application data stored in connected database

When does TypeORM trigger privacy obligations?

TypeORM itself is a library—it has no inherent data collection. However, the moment you define TypeORM entities that map to database tables, you create data flows that trigger compliance obligations.

### When Obligations Begin

Once TypeORM stores personally identifiable information (PII)—names, emails, IP addresses, payment data, location, device identifiers—you must:

1. GDPR (if you have EU users): Determine your lawful basis for processing (Article 6). If you collect consent-dependent data, implement Article 7 consent mechanisms *before* TypeORM persists that data. Designate a Data Controller role and document processing in a Records of Processing Activity (Article 30).

2. CCPA (if you have California residents): If you collect 'personal information' (Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.100), you must disclose collection, use, and sharing in a privacy policy and honor deletion requests within 45 days—TypeORM queries support this, but you must implement the deletion logic.

3. Sector-specific: If your entities include health data (HIPAA) or payment card data (PCI DSS), heightened encryption and access controls apply *at the database level*, not the ORM.

### First Concrete Step

Audit your TypeORM entity definitions.

Common compliance pitfalls

1. Storing Sensitive Data Without Encryption in TypeORM Columns

The mistake: Defining TypeORM entities that store plaintext passwords, SSNs, or API keys in `@Column()` fields without database-level or application-level encryption.

Why it happens with TypeORM: TypeORM makes it trivial to add a column—developers focus on schema design, not encryption. TypeORM has no built-in field-level encryption; it trusts the database and application to handle it. Many indie founders assume "the database is secure" and skip this step.

Consequence: GDPR Article 32 requires "appropriate technical and organisational measures" including encryption of personal data in transit and at rest. CCPA § 1798.150 creates private right of action for data breaches involving unencrypted PII. A breach exposed plaintext data can trigger mandatory disclosure notifications, fines (GDPR up to €20M or 4% revenue), and civil liability. Auditors flag plaintext sensitive columns immediately.

2. No Data Retention or Deletion Logic in TypeORM Queries

The mistake: Using TypeORM repositories to persist user data indefinitely without implementing deletion endpoints or scheduled purges.

Why it happens with TypeORM: TypeORM makes *reading and writing* intuitive (`repository.save()`, `repository.find()`), but deletion and retention policies require extra business logic. Founders often defer this as a "future feature."

Consequence: GDPR Article 17 grants users a right to erasure ('right to be forgotten'); CCPA § 1798.105 requires honoring deletion requests within 45 days. Failure to delete on request is a direct violation. DPAs in Germany, Spain, and Italy have issued fines specifically for non-compliance with deletion requests. You must implement a DELETE query handler and audit trail.

3. Failing to Document Data Flows in Privacy Policy After Adding Entities

The mistake: Deploying new TypeORM entities (e.g., `UserLocation`, `UserBehavior`) without updating privacy policy or data processing documentation.

Why it happens with TypeORM: TypeORM changes are schema changes, not SDK integrations. Developers update the entity file and migrate—no obvious prompt to update compliance docs.

Consequence: GDPR Article 13 & 14 require transparent disclosure of *what data is collected and why* at the point of collection. CCPA § 1798.100 requires disclosure in a privacy policy. If your policy says "we collect name and email" but TypeORM also stores browsing history or geolocation, you've materially misrepresented your processing. Regulators flag this during audits and can issue warnings or fines for lack of transparency. Users can also sue under GDPR Article 82 (damages for non-material harm).

Privacy policy clauses for TypeORM

What data TypeORM collects

When does TypeORM trigger privacy obligations?

Common compliance pitfalls

1. Storing Sensitive Data Without Encryption in TypeORM Columns

2. No Data Retention or Deletion Logic in TypeORM Queries

3. Failing to Document Data Flows in Privacy Policy After Adding Entities

Legal note

Sample privacy policy clause

What regulators look for

Frequently asked questions

Does TypeORM require disclosure in our privacy policy?

What specific data does TypeORM collect?

Does TypeORM require a cookie consent banner?

Who is the data processor for TypeORM, and where is data transferred?

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