TL;DR
ActiveCampaign is a powerful marketing automation and CRM platform that supports GDPR compliance out of the box. It is safe to use under GDPR if you configure it correctly and handle personal data responsibly. If you're storing or processing customer data (names, emails, etc.), you must comply with GDPR requirements.
How to maintain GDPR compliance with ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign offers a suite of tools that help automate email campaigns, segment audiences, and manage customer relationships. This often involves handling personal data like names, email addresses, purchase history, and more.
How to ensure your ActiveCampaign setup stays GDPR-compliant.
1. Know what personal data you're collecting
ActiveCampaign works best when personalized, but personalization means collecting user data. You might collect:
Email addresses
Names
Click behavior
Website visits
Product purchase data
If any of this qualifies as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), GDPR applies. So, make a list of all data you're collecting and confirm that users have consented to share it.
2. Use GDPR-friendly features
ActiveCampaign offers several features to help you stay compliant:
Consent checkboxes in forms
Double opt-in email confirmation
Data export and deletion tools
Custom field visibility & control
Time-stamped consent logs
Ensure these features are enabled and properly configured in your account.
3. Sign a Data Processing Agreement (DPA)
A Data Processing Agreement (DPA) is mandatory under GDPR when using third-party tools like ActiveCampaign.
ActiveCampaign offers a DPA that you can review and accept through their platform. It outlines their responsibilities as a data processor and your obligations as a data controller.
4. Update your privacy policy
If you're sending customer data to ActiveCampaign, you must mention it in your privacy policy — specifically under third-party data processors.
Here’s how you might list it:
“We use ActiveCampaign as our marketing automation platform. Data you provide may be transferred to ActiveCampaign for processing in accordance with their privacy policy and GDPR obligations.”
Include a link to ActiveCampaign’s privacy policy in your own documentation.
5. Set up secure access and permissions
GDPR emphasizes security. While ActiveCampaign takes care of encryption and infrastructure, you’re responsible for how your team uses the tool.
Enable 2-factor authentication (2FA) for all users
Limit account access only to necessary roles
Review permission levels regularly
Rotate passwords periodically
This helps reduce the risk of internal data breaches and keeps your workflows secure.
Do we need a cookie banner with ActiveCampaign?
It depends. ActiveCampaign by itself doesn’t place cookies on your website unless you use its site tracking feature.
If you enable site tracking, it will place cookies to monitor visitor behavior. In that case, you must display a cookie banner and obtain user consent before tracking begins — just like with Google Analytics.
So, if you're not using site tracking, no cookie banner needed. If you are, then yes, you must implement one.
What ActiveCampaign’s GDPR documentation says
ActiveCampaign is committed to helping customers comply with the GDPR. Their platform provides built-in tools to manage data responsibly and ensure user privacy.
Key GDPR compliance features: Consent Management: Customizable opt-in forms with consent fields
Data Access Controls: Export, modify, and delete contact data upon request
Security Measures: SSL encryption, regular audits, and secure data centers
DPA Availability: A signed Data Processing Agreement is available to all users
Sub-processor Transparency: ActiveCampaign lists and vets all sub-processors used
They also participate in international data transfer frameworks and offer hosting options in multiple regions to support compliance for EU-based customers.
Who are we?
We’re Simple Analytics, a privacy-first alternative to Google Analytics. Based and hosted in the EU, we're built for businesses that care about user privacy and want GDPR compliance out of the box.
Unlike traditional analytics tools, we don’t track individuals or use cookies. We’re a favorite of legal teams, and used by brands like Michelin, Bloomberg, and Mollie.