If you have a website, privacy compliance isn’t optional anymore. From GDPR in Europe to CCPA in California, laws now require businesses to clearly explain how they collect, store, and use data.
And here’s the good news: staying compliant isn’t complicated or expensive, especially with the right tools in place.
The laws you need to know (without the legal jargon)
GDPR (EU):
Covers any business that processes data from people in the EU/EEA. It asks for clear consent, transparency, and gives users rights to access and control their data.
CCPA/CPRA (California):
Applies to businesses that serve California residents. It requires disclosing what personal data is collected and allows users to opt out of having their data sold.
ePrivacy Directive (EU Cookie Law):
Specifically addresses online tracking and cookies. It requires cookie consent before non-essential cookies are loaded.
COPPA (U.S.):
Applies to sites that collect data from children under 13. It has extra requirements around transparency and parental consent.
How to Comply with GDPR, CCPA, and Other Privacy Laws?
If your website:
- Collects data via forms
- Uses tracking tools (Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, etc.)
- Sends email campaigns (e.g., via Mailchimp)
- Embeds YouTube videos
- Has global users
…then it’s worth ensuring your setup aligns with current regulations. Even if you’re not legally required yet, getting ahead of it builds trust and saves you time later.
Cookies 101: What are they?
Cookies are small text files stored in a user’s browser. They help websites function and collect insights. They usually fall into three categories:
- Essential cookies: Enable core site functions (like keeping you logged in).
- Analytics cookies: Help understand how people use your website.
- Marketing cookies: Support targeted ads and retargeting (e.g., Meta Pixel).
Under regulations like GDPR, analytics and marketing cookies must be blocked until the user gives permission.
What a compliant setup looks like
Here are the basics of a privacy-conscious website:
1. Clear privacy and cookie policies
- List what data you collect, how it’s used, and why
- Include third-party services (like Google, Meta, Mailchimp)
- Link to their privacy policies
- Make the policy easy to find on your site
2. Cookie consent banner
- Shows up on first visit
- Allows users to choose what cookies they accept
- Blocks non-essential cookies by default
- Honors their choices in the background
3. Ongoing updates
- Review regularly as laws and tools evolve
- Update if you add new services or platforms
Helpful tools (so you don’t have to do this alone)
Thankfully, there are tools that make all of this easy:
- Iubenda: Great for automated policy generation and cookie banners (used by Mowgli)
- Cookiebot: Powerful for cookie consent and scanning
- Termly: Simple setup for small businesses
- Osano: Enterprise-grade data compliance with real-time legal monitoring
Each offers different features, but all help you stay aligned with key regulations.
Privacy = trust
Taking time to implement privacy best practices doesn’t just check a legal box; it sends a strong message to your users:
“We respect your data and your choices.”
With tools like Iubenda and simple updates to your site, you can build credibility, protect your visitors, and future-proof your business, without stress.
It’s not about fear. It’s about respect, clarity, and confidence. And that starts with your website.
Want to make sure your site is fully privacy-compliant? Contact us to audit your setup and help you implement GDPR- and CCPA-ready solutions.
