Do I need to disclose Web Bluetooth API in my privacy policy?

Yes. Web Bluetooth API collects device identifiers and sensor data that qualify as personal information under GDPR and CCPA. You must disclose its use, the specific data categories it accesses (such as health sensor readings via GATT), the lawful basis for collection, and user rights. Failure to disclose exposes you to regulatory penalties.

What specific data does Web Bluetooth API collect?

Web Bluetooth API collects Bluetooth device identifiers (MAC addresses and device names), GATT service descriptors and characteristic data from paired peripherals, and sensor readings transmitted over the connection. If the connected device includes health sensors, this may include heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, or other biometric information.

Does Web Bluetooth API require a cookie consent banner?

No. Web Bluetooth API does not use cookies and is exempt from cookie consent requirements under ePrivacy regulations. However, you must obtain explicit user consent before accessing Bluetooth devices, as the browser requires an affirmative user gesture (click or tap) to initiate pairing. Document this consent separately in your privacy policy.

Who processes Web Bluetooth API data and where is it transferred?

Data collected via Web Bluetooth API is processed locally on the user's device and browser; it does not transfer to third-party servers unless your website code explicitly sends it onward. If you transmit Bluetooth data to your backend or third-party services, you must name those processors, disclose the transfer, and ensure adequate safeguards under GDPR Article 44 or equivalent.

IoT & Wearables

Privacy policy clauses for Web Bluetooth API

The Web Bluetooth API is a browser standard that allows websites to communicate directly with Bluetooth-enabled devices such as wearables, fitness trackers, and medical sensors. Websites use it to retrieve real-time sensor data, control smart devices, and enable seamless pairing without requiring native applications.

Scan my site free →Copy sample clause ↓

Free scan · No signup · Results in 60 seconds

What data Web Bluetooth API collects

Your privacy policy must disclose each of the following data types when you use Web Bluetooth API.

Bluetooth device identifiers

GATT service data from peripherals

Sensor readings via browser

When does Web Bluetooth API trigger privacy obligations?

Data Flow Trigger

Web Bluetooth API initiates privacy obligations the moment your site or app calls `navigator.bluetooth.requestDevice()`. This triggers collection of:

–Bluetooth device identifiers (MAC addresses, UUIDs) — classified as PII under GDPR Recital 51 and most state privacy laws
–GATT service descriptors and characteristic data — often includes sensor readings (heart rate, blood glucose, location approximation)
–Device pairing metadata — retained by the browser and accessible to your script

Common compliance pitfalls

Pitfall 1: Confusing Browser Sandbox with Data Protection

The mistake: Teams assume Web Bluetooth API's browser sandboxing means they don't need a DPA or data retention policy because "the browser handles it."

Why it happens: Web Bluetooth API is self-hosted (no third-party SDK), so operators don't receive a vendor DPA template and wrongly conclude no processing agreement is needed.

Consequence: If you log device IDs, sensor readings, or pairing history to your backend (even anonymized), you are a data processor under GDPR Article 28. Operating without a written DPA violates Article 28(3) and triggers fines up to €10M or 2% of global revenue. Regulators (UK ICO, Irish DPC) have flagged this repeatedly in IoT enforcement.

Pitfall 2: Missing Health-Data Disclosure and Consent Bucketing

The mistake: Collecting GATT data from health sensors (e.g., continuous glucose monitors, heart-rate monitors) without explicitly calling out this as special category data under GDPR Article 9 or failing to separate consent for health data from general consent.

Why it happens: GATT service UUIDs are opaque; developers don't always recognize that reading `0x180D` (Heart Rate Service) or `0x181F` (Health Thermometer Service) means processing health data.

Consequence: Special category data requires explicit, separate consent (GDPR Article 9(2)(a)). Bundling health consent with general privacy consent is non-compliant. If you process without valid consent, DPAs fine up to €20M or 4% of global revenue. Health regulators (FDA, HSE) may also investigate if you claim medical grade accuracy.

Pitfall 3: Device ID Retention Without Justification

The mistake: Logging Bluetooth MAC addresses or device UUIDs indefinitely "for debugging" or "user re-pairing" without defining a retention schedule or purpose limitation.

Why it happens: Web Bluetooth API makes reading device IDs trivial; teams don't explicitly think about whether they need to persist them.

Consequence: GDPR Article 5(1)(e) mandates storage limitation; DPAs interpret indefinite device ID logs as a violation. CCPA §1798.100 requires deletion on user request. Consequence: audit findings, mandatory data deletion orders, and reputational risk.

Privacy policy clauses for Web Bluetooth API

What data Web Bluetooth API collects

When does Web Bluetooth API trigger privacy obligations?

Data Flow Trigger

Regulatory Trigger Threshold

First Concrete Step

Common compliance pitfalls

Pitfall 1: Confusing Browser Sandbox with Data Protection

Pitfall 2: Missing Health-Data Disclosure and Consent Bucketing

Pitfall 3: Device ID Retention Without Justification

Legal note

Sample privacy policy clause

What regulators look for

Key Regulator Audit Focus

Most Common Audit Flag

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to disclose Web Bluetooth API in my privacy policy?

What specific data does Web Bluetooth API collect?

Does Web Bluetooth API require a cookie consent banner?

Who processes Web Bluetooth API data and where is it transferred?

Don't ship without Bandit.