Does your website comply with UK law?
Companies in the UK must include certain regulatory information on their websites and in their email footers before 1 January 2007 or they will breach the Companies Act and risk a fine.
Information about the company
As from 1st January 2007, new rules exist regarding the information displayed by companies on their website and in emails (although this also applies to business stationery). It does not need to appear on every web page so perhaps the best place is the home page.
The company must show in legible lettering:
- Place of registration;
- Registered office address;
- Registered number;
- Registered office address;
- If it is in the process of being wound up, that fact;
- The name of the service provider must also be given somewhere easily accessible on the site. This might differ from the trading name and any such difference should be explained - e.g. "XYZ.com is the trading name of XYZ Enterprises Limited.";
- The email address of the service provider must be given (it is not enough to include a contact us form);
- If the business is a member of a trade or professional association, membership details, including any registration number, should be provided;
- Prices must state if they include VAT and delivery costs.
Additionally, charities must also state:
- If the charity is a registered charity;
- The charity number;
- If it is registered as a company limited by guarantee.
E-commerce sites
Do not forget the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 which contain other information requirements for online businesses that sell to consumers (B2C as opposed to B2B).
Privacy policy
Under the data protection Act 1998, any company that collects personal information from users on their website must provide a Privacy Policy document. The purpose of the privacy policy is to stipulate the type of information that is captured on a website about the user and how this information is used.
Terms of use
The terms of use policy is very important even if you are not involved in selling products or services online. The policy binds any individual who accesses the information available on your website to conform to the terms and conditions detailed in the agreement and serves to limit your liability in the event of a claim being mounted against you in relation to the usage of the website.
