Website Legal Compliance: All Requirements Explained

Most businesses don’t think about legal risk until it shows up on their doorstep. A demand letter. A hefty fine. A customer calling out an inaccessible feature. By then, it’s all about damage control.

The smart businesses? They build compliance into their digital strategy — avoiding lawsuits, protecting their reputation, and turning trust into a brand asset.

If you’re a website owner (or actively contribute to one), now is the time to understand what’s required — and what’s at stake. From privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA to accessibility standards like the ADA and WCAG, the legal landscape for websites is shifting fast. Regulators are enforcing more. Consumers are expecting more.

The bottom line: Understanding compliance isn’t just about playing defense — it’s about future-proofing your business.

Website Laws and Regulations to Know

Whether you’re running a small business site or managing a global brand’s digital presence, you must follow website laws and regulations — and there are quite a few of them to be aware of. Below are some of the most common website laws you should have on your radar.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA applies to U.S. businesses operating in both public and private sectors and prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in places of public accommodation — including digital spaces. Although the ADA doesn’t include specific technical requirements, it does enforce the accessibility standards outlined in WCAG. More simply, to meet ADA compliance requirements, your digital content must meet the guidelines outlined in WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Failing to comply can trigger ADA lawsuits, especially if it blocks access to your products, services, or other essential information. 

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The GDPR applies to any organization that processes personal data of European Union (EU) residents. This EU law sets the global bar for data privacy. It gives users the right to access, correct, delete, and control how their personal data is used. GDPR requires clear consent mechanisms, transparent privacy notices, and secure data handling practices. 

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

For-profit businesses in California that meet certain revenue or data thresholds are subject to the CCPA. The law gives California residents control over their personal information. It also requires businesses to disclose what data they collect, allow users to opt out of data sales, and honor deletion requests. The California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) further strengthened the CCPA, adding stricter requirements and creating a dedicated enforcement agency.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

COPPA applies to U.S. websites and apps designed for children under 13. If your site targets kids or knowingly collects data from them, you must get verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information. That includes data like names, email addresses, IP addresses, or even voice recordings. Violations can lead to large fines and damage your brand’s reputation.

Eraser Button Law (California)

Websites or apps with content directed at minors in California must comply with the Eraser Button Law (officially titled the California Privacy Rights for Minors in the Digital World law). The law requires businesses to allow minors to remove content they’ve posted. If your site allows user-generated content — think comments, photos, videos, etc. — the law may apply. 

EU Cookie Law (ePrivacy Directive)

The EU Cookie Law (or simply the Cookie Law) applies to any site with users in the EU. Under this law, users must be informed and give explicit consent before non-essential cookies (like tracking or marketing cookies) are placed on their device. That means cookie banners or notifications need to offer a real choice — not just a “got it” button. It’s often enforced alongside GDPR.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding in the U.S. must comply with Section 508. To be Section 508 compliant, organizations must ensure that all electronic and IT systems — including websites — are accessible to people with disabilities. While originally intended for government use, many states and institutions have adopted its standards, which align with WCAG 2.X.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

Private and nonprofit organizations in Ontario with more than 50 employees are expected to adhere to the AODA. The AODA mandates that all public websites must meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards. Organizations must also submit regular accessibility compliance reports. Failure to comply can result in fines and public accountability (as reports are searchable by the public). 

European Accessibility Act (EAA)

Businesses selling digital products or services to EU consumers must meet EAA compliance standards by June 28, 2025. The purpose of the EAA is to standardize accessibility laws across the EU. It covers everything from websites and apps to ATMs and eCommerce platforms. If your business sells online in Europe — or if you’re a U.S.-based company with EU consumers — you’ll be expected to comply with POUR principles (which are similar to the accessibility standards included in WCAG). 

Stylized web browser on a laptop screen with an ADA checklist in the bottom right-hand corner. An accessibility symbol inside a gear is in the top left-hand corner.

8 Legal Compliance Requirements for All Websites

Now that you understand the major laws that shape website compliance, let’s break down the core areas each website should cover. Remember: these aren’t just legal checkboxes — they’re trust builders that can protect your business and strengthen your brand.

Data Privacy Compliance

Privacy laws like the GDPR, CCPA, and CPRA require transparency around user rights to their personal data — what you collect, why you collect it, and how users can control it. To comply with data privacy compliance laws, your site should, at a minimum, include:

• A clear, accessible privacy policy

• Disclosure of data collection and third-party sharing

• A system for honoring data access and deletion requests

Penalties for non-compliance with data laws can be steep — up to €20 million under GDPR or up to $2,500 for unintentional CCPA violations.

Accessibility Compliance

Laws like the ADA, Section 508, and EAA require your digital content, including your website, web designs, mobile apps, online documents, and other digital content, to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes incorporating accessibility guidelines outlined in WCAG or POUR, including:

• Ensuring keyboard-friendly navigation

• Good compatibility with assistive technologies and screen readers

• Adding alt text for images or other non-text content

• Sufficient color contrast

• Providing captions or transcripts for video or audio content

With accessibility lawsuits rising, failing to meet accessibility requirements can result in legal action, including ADA demand letters or expensive fines and fees. Free tools like AudioEye’s Web Accessibility Scanner and Color Contrast Checker can help you get started on the path to creating more accessible content. However, to ensure true compliance, you’ll want to use a full accessibility solution, like AudioEye’s Accessibility Platform.

Data Security Requirements

Most privacy laws also include a mandate to protect user data. That means including things like:

• SSL encryption (HTTPS)

• Secure storage and regular software updates

• A clear vulnerability disclosure policy

If your site does suffer a breach and you’re found negligent, you could face legal penalties and brand damage. To decrease these risks, prioritize strong security measures and practices and stay up to date on known risks.

Cookie Consent

If your website uses cookies for analytics or advertising, regulations like the EU Cookie Law and GDPR require that you:

• Ask for explicit user consent before setting cookies

• Offer opt-in/opt-out options for non-essential cookies

• Provide a cookie policy detailing usage

Basic messages like “this site uses cookies” no longer meet website law requirements. You’ll need to create more in-depth messages explaining what and how cookies use data can help ensure compliance.

Copyright and Plagiarism

Copyright law protects everything from blog posts to background images, including the U.S. Copyright Act, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), and the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. Using content you don’t own or have the right to can result in takedown notices, lost credibility, or even legal action. 

To stay compliant with copyright laws, ensure you:

• Only publish content you’ve created, licensed, or received written permission to use.

• Avoid “borrowing” images or copy from Google search or competitors’ sites.

• Keep records of stock image licenses or third-party content agreements.

• Display a DMCA policy if your site hosts content from others.

For example, uploading a copyrighted image without the proper license — even if it came from a blog post or social media — can result in a takedown notice or hefty fine. Use trusted stock libraries and double-check licensing terms before publishing anything on your site.

Content Licensing and Attribution

Not all free content is truly free. Regardless of the type of content you’re using, you’ll still need to follow license terms, many of which include strict attribution or usage requirements. To stay compliant with these laws, ensure you:

• Always read and follow the terms of any content license (e.g., Creative Commons, GNU General Public License, and copyright laws).

• Attribute the creator as required — typically including the title, author, source link, and license type.

• Never assume you can use content just because it’s published online or marked “free”. 

• Keep documentation of permissions, especially for commercial projects. 

To stay compliant, ensure you always read and follow the terms of any content license, attribute the creator as required, and keep all documentation of permissions — especially for commercial projects.

Disclaimers

Disclaimers help limit liability and set clear boundaries with your audience — especially if your site shares advice, promotes products, or operates in regulated industries. There’s no single law that governs disclaimers, but several regulations make them essential:

• FTC Endorsement Guidelines require you to disclose affiliate links, sponsorships, or any material connections.

• If you publish health, legal, or financial content, courts may expect clear disclaimers clarifying it’s not professional advice.

• Well-written disclaimers can act as enforceable terms in your site’s terms of service.

You may need to include the following disclaimers on your site to avoid legal risk:

• Informational disclaimers that note your content is not expert advice.

• Affiliate disclosures if you earn commissions from links or partnerships.

• Results disclaimers to manage expectations in areas like fitness, coaching, or eCommerce.

For example, if you promote wellness programs and include user success stories, a disclaimer should state that results vary and are not guaranteed. 

Anti-Spam Requirements

If your website sends marketing emails or texts, they need to follow anti-spam requirements. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties or fees and other legal issues. There are three major anti-spam laws to know:

• CAN-SPAM (U.S.): Requires clear opt-outs, accurate sender info, and no misleading subject lines.

• CASL (Canada): You must get express consent before sending commercial messages. 

• GDPR (EU): Treats email addresses as personal data, so opt-in consent is required. 

To have a compliant website, ensure you have clear, documented consent — ideally via double opt-in — and include an unsubscribe link in every communication. For example, sending a bulk promo email to a purchased list without consent violates multiple laws, even if only one recipient is in Canada or the EU.

Stylized web browser with the accessibility symbol next to it. A raised gavel is on the right-hand side of the browser.

Website Legal Compliance for Specific Industries

If your business operates in a specific industry — like healthcare, finance, or legal — your site must comply with additional legal requirements in addition to the ones listed above. These regulations include obligations on how organizations should collect, store, and present information online. And they’re not optional — they have serious enforcement and reputational risks if ignored.

Health: HIPAA

Any protected health information (PHI) your website collects or displays is subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The act applies to healthcare providers, insurers, and any third-party vendors or platforms that handle PHI on their behalf. 

HIPAA requirements mandate:

• Secure transmission and storage of PHI (e.g., contact forms, patient portals, etc.)

• Signed Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with third-party service providers.

• User authentication and data encryption.

The law is enforced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and can result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines up to $1.5 million per year per violation type. 

To meet HIPAA compliance requirements, use HIPAA-compliant web forms, secure hosting, and access controls. When evaluating tools, ensure they include these features to lower your legal risks.

Law: ABA Model Rules

Legal websites must comply with professional conduct rules that govern advertising, confidentiality, and solicitation — many of which stem from the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules and are adopted at the state level. The law applies to attorneys, law firms, and legal marketers in the U.S., meaning these organizations must meet the following requirements:

• Accurate, truthful representation of services.

• Avoid misleading statements, especially about outcomes.

• Proper disclaimers clarifying that web content does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

• Adherence to local bar association rules on advertising and solicitation. 

The state bar association and legal disciplinary boards typically oversee the enforcement of the ABA Model Rules. Noncompliance can result in fines, sanctions, or even disbarment. 

If you’re in the legal industry, ensure your website includes prominent disclaimers and keep staff bios and practice descriptions accurate. Your content should regularly be reviewed by a legal ethics advisor as well.

Finance: SEC Regulations

If you’re in the financial industry, you’re expected to comply with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations, which aim to protect consumers from misleading financial information and ensure fair disclosure of where their data is going. The law applies to financial advisors, investment firms, fintech companies, and anyone offering securities-related services. Some of the requirements organizations are expected to adhere to include:

• Clear risk disclosure on investment products.

• No false or misleading performance claims.

• Secure handling of personally identifiable financial information (often overlaps with GLBA — Gramm-Leach-bliley Act)

• Archived copies of marketing materials and web updates for audit trails (per SEC Rule 17a-4).

If you’re a financial organization, you may want to consider investing in compliance-focused platforms for disclosures and content archiving to align more closely with SEC regulations. Failing to comply with these regulations could result in an audit or fine from the SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). FINRA can also bar financial professionals for violations.

Accessibility with AudioEye: Legal Compliance Assured

With so many overlapping laws governing policy, accessibility, content use, and industry-specific regulations, website compliance can feel overwhelming. But ignoring these requirements isn’t just risky — it can lead to fines, lawsuits, and damaged trust. The good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone.

When it comes to website accessibility, AudioEye helps you achieve industry-leading compliance with accessibility standards. Whether you’re aiming to comply with the ADA, Section 508, AODA, or the upcoming EAA, AudioEye is designed to help you meet the full scope of legal requirements. We do this with our three-pronged approach to accessibility, combining automation, human-assisted AI technology, and testing during development. AudioEye Assurance even provides a level of protection that’s 400% better than consulting or automation-only approaches. 

Ready to reduce risk and improve your digital experience? Get started with a free accessibility scan or schedule a demo to see how AudioEye can help you stay protected and move forward with confidence.