What is Website Compliance?
How Do I Make My Website Compliant?
What Types of Laws do you Need to Comply with as a Website Owner?
1. Privacy and Data Protection Laws
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Colorado Law - Colorado’s Accessibility Law
House Bill 21-1110, requires state and local public agencies to meet certain accessibility standards by July 1, 2025. These standards include:
- Public meetings - Meetings must be accessible by live streaming video or audio, and documents must be posted online at least 24 hours before the meeting.
- Public testimony - Individuals can participate in meetings using video conferencing unless the meeting location lacks broadband internet.
- Auxiliary aids - Public bodies must provide requested auxiliary aids or services in time for the meeting.
- Digital Accessibility - Public entities must meet digital accessibility standards, such as providing text descriptions of images and transcriptions of video and audio.
The law also requires higher education institutions to adopt policies and procedures to ensure digital accessibility.
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GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
If your website serves users in the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, or the UK, you must comply with GDPR. This law requires websites to have a clear privacy policy that explains what data is collected, how it’s stored, and how it’s used. Users must also have the option to request or delete their personal data.
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CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
If your website has visitors from California, CCPA applies to you. This law focuses on giving California residents control over their personal data. It requires businesses to provide a cookie policy that explains how cookies are used and whether personal data is being sold or shared. If your website sells personal data, you must allow users to opt out.
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CPRA (California Privacy Rights Act)
This act expands on the CCPA by covering websites sharing personal data, not just those that sell it. If your website is accessible to California residents, it must fully comply with all privacy laws, including providing clear notice about data collection and allowing users to control their personal information.
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COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act)
If your website collects data from children under 13, COPPA requires parental consent before gathering any personal information. This law is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and applies to websites, apps, and online services aimed at children. -
CalOPPA (California Online Privacy Protection Act)
California also has its own privacy law, CalOPPA, which requires websites to display a privacy policy that’s easy to find—often linked directly from the homepage. The policy must also include details about third parties that collect user data.
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EU Cookie Law (ePrivacy Directive)
If your website serves users in the EU, you must follow the EU Cookie Law. This law requires websites to inform visitors about cookie usage and obtain their consent before storing or accessing any data on their devices. Users should also have the option to manage their cookie preferences.
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Eraser Button Law
If your website allows users under 18 to post content, the Eraser Button Law gives them the right to remove their posts or personal information at any time. Website owners must inform young users of this right and provide a way for them to delete their content.
2. Web Accessibility Laws
3. Copyright and Intellectual Property Laws
- Do not use copyrighted images, videos, or text without permission. Even if you credit the source, using copyrighted material without the owner’s consent can result in legal issues.
- Use royalty-free or licensed content. Websites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay provide free images, but always check the licensing terms.
- If you allow user-generated content, have a policy in place. If users can upload text, images, or videos, make sure your terms of service explain who owns the content and who is responsible if any copyright infringement occurs.
Legal Requirements for Websites in Certain Industries
1. Healthcare Websites (HIPAA Compliance)
- Keeping patient information private under the Privacy Rule
- Putting strong security measures in place under the Security Rule
- Notifying affected individuals in case of a data breach under the Breach Notification Rule
2. Fintech Websites (Financial Data Security)
- Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA): This law requires financial institutions to protect sensitive data and inform customers about how their information is shared.
- Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS): If your website processes credit card payments, you need to follow these security standards to protect cardholder data and prevent fraud.
