Website Legal Basics for US and European Visitors: Privacy, Cookies and Accessibility

If your website attracts visitors from Europe, the United Kingdom or the United States, a few legal basics apply to almost every site. This is a general overview and not legal advice. Rules differ by country and change, so check with a qualified professional for your situation.

Privacy policy

If you collect any personal data, such as names, emails or analytics information, you generally need a clear privacy policy. It should explain:

• What data you collect and why.
• How long you keep it.
• Who you share it with, for example your email provider or advertising platforms.
• How people can access, correct or delete their data.
• How to contact you.

Europe and the UK: GDPR

The General Data Protection Regulation, and its UK equivalent, set strict rules on handling personal data. Key ideas include having a lawful reason to process data, being transparent, collecting only what you need and respecting people's rights. For marketing emails and many tracking tools, you usually need clear consent.

California: CCPA and CPRA

California's laws give residents rights to know what data is collected, to delete it and to opt out of its sale or sharing. Businesses that meet certain thresholds must provide notices and ways to exercise these rights.

Cookies and tracking

Many cookies, such as those used for advertising and some analytics, require consent from visitors in Europe and the UK before they run. A proper cookie banner should:

1. Explain what each category does.
2. Let people accept or decline non-essential cookies with equal ease.
3. Prevent those tools from loading until consent is given.
4. Let people change their choice later.

Your ad tracking, such as the Meta Pixel, should respect these choices.

Forms and email marketing

Say clearly what people are signing up for, include a link to your privacy policy and provide an easy unsubscribe in every marketing email.

Terms and conditions

If you sell products or services, publish terms covering pricing, delivery, returns, refunds and liability, as appropriate.

Accessibility

Making a website usable by people with disabilities is the right thing to do, and in some markets it is also a legal expectation. Basics include good colour contrast, text alternatives for images, keyboard navigation and clear labels on forms.

Security

Use HTTPS, keep software updated and protect any data you collect. If a breach occurs, there may be legal reporting duties.

Other points

Business details such as company name and contact information may be required on your site, depending on where you operate.

Summary

Prepare a privacy policy, a working cookie consent tool, clear terms and basic accessibility. Then have a legal professional review them for your business.

We build websites with privacy and cookie tools in place. Message us on WhatsApp if you want your site set up properly.