Most businesses will have at least one website upon which they rely to market their goods and services and conduct business itself. It is therefore imperative that every business knows the legal requirements for websites.
Every websites must include the name, geographical address, contact details (including e-mail) and information on how it can be contacted non-electronically. This must also include details of any relevant supervising authority and its VAT number. Where the website belongs to a limited company, then the site must include the company’s registered name, the part of the UK in which is registered, the company number, registered office and the fact that it is limited if limited is not in its name.
If the owner of the website is a member of a regulated profession, then the site must include details of the professional body and a reference to the professional rules that apply.
Where a contract is entered into online through the website, then it must set out the various steps the customer must follow to finalise the contract. It must also state whether the contract will be filed and if it will, whether the customer can gain access to it. The site must also provide the technical means for the customer to identify and amend its order before actually placing it and set out any languages offered.
Furthermore, where contacts are entered into online with consumers (as opposed to businesses), then the site must include a description of the goods and services being sold, the price payable, the arrangements in relation to delivery and full details of the right to cancel pursuant to the statutory cooling off periods.
The site must further more comply with the data protection legislation with regard to personal data and the site must ask the users to consent to the use of cookies on the site.
Given the importance of websites to businesses, it is imperative that all businesses understand their legal obligations when it comes to theirs to avoid falling foul of the law and conflict or disputes with customers.
