We understand that it can be difficult to keep up with the latest regulations and legislation, which is why we have compiled some simple advice below to help you ensure your website is compliant!
The Basics
Website owners must show registered information relating to the identity of their business. This includes:
- Company Name
- Registered Number
- Place of Registration
- Registered Office Address
- Contact details, including an email address
- Details of how to contact the business by non-electronic means
- The VAT number of the business, if applicable
- Details of any trade body or regulator registration
For sole traders and partnerships, you must display the address of the primary place of business.
PRIVACY
As data privacy laws continue to develop, it's important to make sure your site complies with regulations like the GDPR.
- Privacy Policy - explaining what personal data you collect and how you use it.
- Cookie Disclosure - to explain how you use cookies on your site. (Can be included in Privacy Policy)
- A Disclaimer - to state liability for using your website and information included on it.
You must tell your visitors if you set cookies on your site, what cookies are used and why. Some cookies are deemed essential to provide the online service requested for example, security, or basket memory. If you use non-essential cookies you must (and no exemptions apply) get consent using a banner or pop up box on your website.
E-Commerce
As part of the Consumer Protection Regulations, if you sell goods or services online you must include on your website:
- Terms and Conditions
- Delivery and Returns Policy
Cyber Security
It is your responsibility to prevent hacking and cybercrime that ultimately leads to a data breach.
In practice, this includes:
- Implementing an SSL certificate (known also as TLS) on your website for the encryption of personal data. (To Check - For most browsers you can look for https on a URL. This indicates a SSL is in use. Then click on the padlock to see if secure. TLS is an updated version of SSL).
- Updating your website software regularly, including your website operating system and your content management system.
- Testing your website for security vulnerabilities
Copyright Infringement
Website are just one of your business assets protected by copyright.
Copyright is automatic for all original written, recorded, pictured or crafted works.
- Use a copy writer for your website
- Use images that you have paid for or are allowed to use. It's important that you check.
Please note: The information above contains just general explanations and examples. You should not rely on this article as legal advice or as recommendations regarding what you should actually do. We recommend that you seek legal advice to help you understand and to assist you in the creation of you website, policies and content.