7 Website Compliance Requirements You Can't Ignore in 2025

In 2025, running a website is more than a fast load time or beautiful design, it's about building trust, protecting user rights, and meeting global regulations. Whether you're a small business owner, developer, agency, or legal advisor, website compliance is a must-have foundation for growth.

This guide unpacks the 7 website compliance requirements you simply can't ignore, blending practical checklists, real-world examples, and insights on how tools like Auditzo's AI-powered audits simplify compliance.

Think of this as your roadmap to keeping your website safe, legal, and conversion-optimized, globally.

What Is Website Compliance in 2025?

Running a website today is like running a modern storefront, you're expected to protect customers' privacy, offer easy access to everyone, and follow strict rules on how you handle visitor information.

In 2025, compliance means meeting global standards for:

• Privacy (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)
• Accessibility (WCAG 2.2)
• Security
• Transparency about tracking and cookies

Non-compliance = risk: heavy fines, legal action, SEO penalties, and damage to your brand reputation.

Why Website Owners Must Care About Compliance

"Good compliance is good business."

In 2024 alone, GDPR fines surpassed €2 billion, and smaller businesses were hit too. Regulators across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany are stepping up enforcement.

A compliant website shows professionalism, improves search rankings, and builds trust with privacy-conscious users.

Quick tip: Not sure where your site stands? Run a quick free check before diving deeper.

1. GDPR & Data Privacy (EU/UK)

Snapshot: The GDPR protects EU and UK residents' personal data. If you have EU/UK visitors, GDPR applies, wherever your business is based.

Checklist:

• Clear privacy policy
• Explicit cookie consent banner
• Easy consent withdrawal option
• Secure handling and storage of personal data

Example: An Australian Shopify store shipping internationally must comply with GDPR if it gets EU customers.

Learn more about GDPR compliance audits

2. CCPA & CPRA (California Residents)

Snapshot: California's CCPA/CPRA laws grant Californians broad rights over their data.

Checklist:

• "Do Not Sell My Data" link
• Clear disclosures about data collection
• Respond to data access/deletion requests promptly

Analogy: Imagine customers visiting your shop and asking what data you've stored about them, you're legally required to answer.

CCPA website audit service

3. Accessibility Compliance (ADA/WCAG 2.2)

Snapshot: Accessibility ensures everyone, including users with disabilities, can fully navigate and use your website.

Checklist:

• Alt text on all images
• Keyboard navigable interfaces
• Sufficient color contrast ratios

"Digital accessibility isn't optional anymore, it's fundamental to a fair web.", W3C

Example: A German e-commerce site improved conversions by 12% after upgrading accessibility features.

WCAG 2.2 Standards

Quick reminder: Google rewards accessibility with better rankings.

4. Cookie Consent & Transparency

Snapshot: Cookie consent laws demand clear communication and user control.

Checklist:

• Consent banner on first visit
• Categorize cookies (essential, marketing, etc.)
• Easy option for users to review/update preferences

Mini-summary: If you use analytics, advertising, or third-party embeds, you need compliant cookie practices.

Cookie Consent Best Practices

Pro tip: Tools like Auditzo automate cookie scanning and help you stay transparent effortlessly.

5. Data Localization & Cross-Border Transfers

Snapshot: Countries like India require certain data to stay within national borders, and the EU enforces strict transfer rules.

Checklist:

• Map where your user data is stored
• Use Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) when transferring across borders
• Review hosting providers' compliance certifications

Example: A small SaaS tool with users in the EU and US needs to carefully structure its data flows.

EU GDPR official site

6. Children's Online Privacy (COPPA & Global Laws)

Snapshot: Websites or apps targeting users under 13 face strict global rules, including in the US (COPPA).

Checklist:

• Verify users' ages
• Get parental consent before data collection
• Limit profiling and behavioral tracking

Analogy: Think of it like running a toy store, there are marketing limits when your audience is kids, and the same applies online.

California Privacy Official Site

7. Security & Data Breach Notifications

Snapshot: Security regulations require companies to take active steps to protect user data and report breaches quickly.

Checklist:

• Use HTTPS across all pages
• Conduct regular penetration testing
• Notify affected users within legal timeframes (e.g., 72 hours under GDPR)

Example: Under Australia's Notifiable Data Breaches scheme, businesses must inform affected individuals and regulators without delay.

AI Security Compliance Audits

Website Compliance Summary Checklist (2025)

Why Compliance Protects Your Business

Mini-summary: Compliance isn't just about avoiding fines, it's about:

• Preventing penalties up to €20 million
• Improving SEO performance
• Building trust across global markets

Bonus: Google's ranking systems increasingly factor in privacy, security, and accessibility signals.

How Auditzo Helps

Auditzo's AI-powered compliance audits act as your shortcut to proactive, scalable compliance.

• Automated scans for 200+ risk points
• Clear risk scoring and prioritization
• Privacy policy and cookie template recommendations

"Compliance is complex, let AI handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on growing your business."

Run your Free Website Compliance Audit now