With the availability of cheap, easy to use website generators and services, companies can deploy a web presence with just a few clicks. However, what those tools and services may not tell you is how companies must adhere to a range of laws and standards when they publish a website.

At best, not adhering to those standards will negatively impact a website’s search engine rankings and discourage the public from engaging with the site. At worst, a company could be in for a big fine from the courts and regulators.

We have compiled this general checklist of legal and regulatory requirements that websites in the UK often need to adhere to, and that {n}.bora can help to implement on your site. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and it’s always recommended to consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with the latest regulations. This list isn’t in priority order, because all of these points should be present from day one of your website going live. If you have a non-compliant website, we can help to make that less daunting by working through each item to ensure you have at least the minimum compliance in place as quickly as possible and helping you to build and deliver an action plan so you can demonstrate you are doing something about your shortfalls.

  • Data Protection

    Ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. This includes obtaining user consent for data collection, implementing appropriate security measures, and providing clear privacy notices.
  • Cookies and Online Tracking

    Comply with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) by obtaining user consent for the use of cookies and providing information about how data is collected and used.
  • Accessibility

    Make your website accessible to individuals with disabilities, following the guidelines provided by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.
  • E-commerce Regulations

    If your website involves online selling, comply with the Consumer Contracts Regulations, which govern online sales, including providing clear information about pricing, delivery, and cancellation rights.
  • Intellectual Property

    Ensure that your website’s content does not infringe on any copyrights or trademarks. Respect others’ intellectual property rights and include appropriate disclaimers.
  • Advertising and Marketing

    Comply with advertising standards and consumer protection laws, including rules on misleading or unfair advertising practices.
  • Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

    Clearly outline your website’s terms of service and privacy policy, including details on how user data is collected, used, stored, and shared.
  • Age Restrictions

    If your website is targeted towards children or has age-restricted content, implement suitable age verification mechanisms, and comply with the relevant regulations, such as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the US.
  • Online Defamation and Libel

    Avoid defamatory content or user-generated content that could lead to legal issues. Implement a robust content moderation system and have procedures in place to handle takedown requests.
  • VAT and Tax Compliance

    If applicable, comply with VAT regulations and display pricing information inclusive of taxes.

Remember that this checklist is a starting point, and legal requirements can vary depending on the nature of your website and its activities. It’s always recommended to seek legal advice or consult official sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding legal and regulatory compliance in the UK.

First published by {n}.bora May 23, 2023