Got a Website?
Got a web site? Is it legal?
The current information relating to web sites in the UK confirm that many are illegal. They do not include even basic information such as registered company address, VAT details and web site hosting for example.
Making sure your website meets all the current key UK legal requirements is vital to prevent you receiving fines or penalties. Ensure you are up to date with the necessary UK legislation or it could prove very costly to you and your business.
Data Protection Act
Does your website request personal information from your customers or clients? If you have an enquiry form on your website or on your online shop, your site must display a privacy policy to comply with the Data Protection Act. This is usually displayed in the footer of a website or under the legal details. Every website should have a legal page or disclaimer outlining their legal responsibilities.
A privacy policy generally includes details on what data is collected and how it is used and stored. It must be stored in a secure manner and for example the website should confirm that the customer or clients information is only retained to provide them with details of services or products offered by the website of the company. Most companies should confirm compliance with the Data Protection Act.
Disability Discrimination Act
UK websites must comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, which states that websites must be accessible to all – including users with visual impairments or disabilities.
Websites should conform to a minimum of the W3C priority 1 guidelines. These can be accessed at http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/wcag.php. Most websites will have an accessibility page advising a visitor on how to use their browser, e.g. Internet Explorer, Firefox, e.t.c. to manoeuvre the website using a keyboard.
The Companies (Trading Disclosures) Regulations 2008
Fines of up to £100 a day could face any registered business whose websites do not comply with these regulations, introduced in October 2008. Further information is available here
Limited companies must include company details on all electronic communications (website and email) and this should include:
Your full company name
Where the company is registered
The companies registered address
The Companies Registered No e.g. 123456789
Website Hosting company details: address, postcode, hosting company website
Professional Memberships should be displayed on the website or freely provided upon request
VAT Registered number
For Sole Traders, Partnerships the following should be shown:
The registered address
Website Hosting company details: address, postcode, hosting company website
Professional Memberships should be displayed on the website or freely provided upon request
VAT Registered number if applicable
Does your company trade online?
Then you must also comply with distance selling regulations, which mean publishing terms and conditions of use policy and your returns policy on the website. Further information is available here
Image rights Photographs, graphics, logos
Images and graphics make a big impact on any website. As well as creating a professional image for the company or business, they help draw in users and encourage them to connect with your business, organisation, products or services. However, do make sure that you have copyright or agreed usage of all the images on your site – otherwise you could end up with a very large bill for unauthorised use. Images mean anything from tiny social networking logos to large images. One stock photo agency selling high quality images online charges up to five times the standard fee for unauthorised use. Ask your web design company to confirm this in writing and also that there are no copyrighted images stored in your company web space.
So always check and double check the terms and conditions and ensure you understand the do’s and don’ts of using any images, footage and music from digital media companies.
Remember…
You – not your website designers or hosting provider – are liable for ensuring your website meets the legal requirements. However, professional website companies and designers should always advise you on what is required regarding images. If they DO NOT detail their use of images and WHY it is so crucial, find a reputable web designer or company that will. Remember you the website owner are liable.
Need a business or personal website? Need a valid and legal website produced for you?
Let us know here
E mail:enquiries@newshamhanson.co.uk we are here to help
Our Address
Edinburgh House,
1-5 Bellevue Road,
Clevedon,
North Somerset.
BS21 7NP
Tel: +44 (0) 1275 873269
Fax: +44 (0) 1275 340531
