The Legal Requirements, Must-Haves for Every Website: My Personal Experience

When I first started building websites, I didn’t think much about legal requirements. Like many others, I was focused on design, branding, and making sure everything functioned smoothly. But as I started working with clients and running my own business, I quickly realized that skipping the legal side of things can lead to unnecessary headaches, fines, or even lawsuits. So, let me walk you through the essentials I’ve learned the hard way—because trust me, you don’t want to find out the importance of these the wrong way.

1. Privacy Policy Website Legal Requirements– Protecting Both You and Your Visitors

If your website collects any kind of user data—whether through contact forms, cookies, analytics, or customer accounts—you must have a Privacy Policy. This document tells visitors what personal information you collect, how you use it, and whether you share it with third parties.

I once had a client ask if they could skip this step. They weren’t selling anything, just running a blog. But even a simple blog collects data (think comments, email sign-ups, and site analytics), so they needed one. Plus, in many countries, laws like the GDPR (Europe) and CCPA (California, USA) make it legally required.

2. Terms and Conditions – Setting the Rules

A Terms and Conditions page is not legally required, but I always recommend it. This document outlines what users can and can’t do on your site, how disputes will be handled, and the limitations of liability.

I once helped a client who ran an online store. They had no Terms and Conditions, and when a customer tried to return a used product months later, they had no policy to refer to. A clear return/refund policy (usually included in the Terms and Conditions) would have saved them a huge headache!

3. Cookie Policy – Being Transparent About Tracking

If your website uses cookies for analytics, ads, or functionality (which most do), you need a Cookie Policy. Many countries require you to disclose this information and even obtain consent before storing cookies on a visitor’s device.

I once built a website for a makeup artist who relied heavily on Facebook Pixel and Google Analytics for marketing. Without a proper cookie notice, her ads could have been considered non-compliant with privacy laws. It’s a small step that protects your business.

4. Copyright and Intellectual Property Notices

Your website is full of content—text, images, logos, and more. If you don’t make it clear that you own this content (or specify how others can use it), someone might steal it.

I learned this the hard way when I found one of my original website designs copied by another freelancer! A clear copyright notice and a clause in the Terms and Conditions can help protect your work.

5. Disclaimer – Limiting Liability

If you offer advice, opinions, or informational content, a Disclaimer is essential. This protects you from legal responsibility if someone misinterprets your content.

For example, I run a consulting business, and I always include a disclaimer stating that my advice is not legal or financial. This prevents any misunderstandings that could lead to legal trouble.

6. E-commerce Policies (If You Sell Online)

If you run an online store, you need additional policies, including:

• Refund & Return Policy – How and when customers can return products.

• Shipping Policy – Estimated delivery times, costs, and regions covered.

• Payment Terms – Accepted payment methods, fees, and conditions.

A client once faced issues because they didn’t clearly state their shipping terms. Customers expected overnight delivery, but the actual timeframe was 5-7 business days. This led to bad reviews and refund requests. Having a clear policy upfront avoids this.

In New Zealand, websites must comply with specific legal requirements, including:

1. Privacy Act 2020 (NZ Privacy Law)

• If you collect, use, or store personal information (e.g., names, emails, phone numbers), you must comply with the Privacy Act 2020.

• You need a Privacy Policy explaining how you handle personal data.

• Users must have access to their personal information and the ability to request corrections.

• If using third-party services like Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel, you must disclose this.

2. Fair Trading Act 1986

• Your website must not mislead or deceive consumers.

• If you sell products or services, your advertising, pricing, and claims must be truthful and accurate.

• Ensure clear Terms and Conditions outlining refunds, delivery, and warranty info.

3. Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (For E-commerce Websites)

• If selling goods or services, you must provide guarantees, such as products being of acceptable quality and fit for purpose.

• Your Refund & Return Policy must comply with NZ consumer laws—no "no refunds" policies unless legally justified.

4. Copyright Act 1994

• Your website content (text, images, and designs) is automatically copyrighted in NZ.

• Include a copyright notice to protect your work and prevent unauthorized use.

5. Electronic Transactions Act 2002

• If you sell online, your website must clearly state the terms of a digital contract (e.g., how purchases, cancellations, and refunds are handled).

• You must allow customers to correct errors before finalizing a transaction.

6. Spam Act 2007 (For Email Marketing)

• You must obtain express consent before sending marketing emails.

• Every marketing email must have an unsubscribe option.

  
  

Having these legal pages isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building trust. When visitors see that you’re transparent and professional, they feel more comfortable engaging with your website, whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or reaching out for services.

If you haven’t already added these legal must-haves to your website, now is the time. And if you’re unsure where to start, you can Book A FREE Consultation with me now.

Legal compliance may not be the most exciting part of running a website, but trust me—it’s one of the most important.