Now, we know this stuff isn’t exactly thrilling at first glance (terms like “legally required” tend to do that). But if you run a business or manage a website in the UK, this article is going to save you time, headaches, and possibly even a fine or two. We’re going to break down the legal essentials your website needs in 2025, without the legal jargon overload. It’s practical, straight-talking advice with a friendly nudge or two where it matters most.
Despite growing awareness surrounding online accessibility and inclusivity, there are still barriers present that deny many people with disabilities the full benefits of the online space.
The European Commission’s method of reducing this accessibility gap is known as the EAA (European Accessibility Act). The initiative, scheduled for June 2025, sets out new inclusivity regulations aimed at combating the marginalisation of disabled individuals as we move towards an increasingly digitised future.
To remain compliant, businesses that operate within the EU states in a capacity specified by the act must make online accessibility a priority, and even if you’re not in the EU, the UK isn’t off the hook either. More on that next.
So, does the EAA apply to the UK?
Technically, the UK isn’t bound by EU law anymore, but here’s where it gets interesting: if your business sells to or serves EU customers, you’re still on the hook for EAA compliance. That includes everything from e-commerce stores to booking systems and digital documents.
And even if you’re only UK-focused, the Equality Act 2010 already requires websites to be accessible for users with disabilities. So, whether you’re shipping to Spain or staying local in Leeds, accessibility should be on your radar.
Let’s break down what your UK website actually needs to have in place by 2025. (Spoiler alert: it’s more than just a cookie banner.)
Company Information
Under the Companies Act 2006, if you operate a registered company in the UK, your website must display:
- Your company’s registered name
- Company registration number
- Place of registration (e.g., England and Wales)
- Registered office address
It doesn’t have to be front and centre—your website footer is fine. But it does have to be there.
Privacy Policy
The UK GDPR is still very much a thing, and it means your site needs a clear, accessible privacy policy. At minimum, it should explain:
- What data do you collect
- How do you store and use it
- Why are you allowed to use it (your lawful basis)
- How long will you keep it
- What rights do your users have
Pro tip: Use plain English. Legalese won’t protect you if no one understands what they’re agreeing to.
Cookie Consent and Policy
You can’t just slap a banner on your site and call it a day. You need:
- Clear, upfront notice about cookies
- A way for users to accept or reject them
- A detailed cookie policy that explains what you’re tracking and why
Bonus points for letting users update their preferences later. Nobody likes a one-and-done opt-in when they change their mind.
Accessibility Compliance
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) enforces WCAG 2.1 as the minimum accessibility standard. However, this is just the baseline. The more advanced WCAG 2.2 has since been released, building on WCAG 2.1 with even more inclusive recommendations. If you’re aiming to go beyond basic compliance and create a truly inclusive experience, these newer guidelines are worth exploring.
For a practical overview of what this means for your business, AbilityNet offers a free downloadable guide to help organisations meet the new standards effectively.
UK businesses must comply with the Equality Act 2010, but if you serve EU customers, you’ll also need to meet the European Accessibility Act by 28 June 2025. That means aligning your site with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards—essentially a global benchmark for making websites accessible.
In practice? That means text that’s readable, navigation that works with screen readers, colour contrasts that aren’t eye-melting, and forms that don’t trip people up. Accessibility helps everyone—and it’s good business too.
Not Just for Websites
While accessibility is often thought of in terms of websites, the EAA casts a wider net. It applies to e-commerce platforms, ticketing systems, ATMs, banking interfaces, and more. If your business offers any kind of digital service or product to EU customers, it’s worth evaluating every user touchpoint—not just your homepage.
Assistive Tech Compatibility
Another key requirement? Your digital tools need to play nicely with assistive technologies like screen readers, speech recognition software, and alternative navigation inputs. This is about more than ticking a box—it’s about real-world usability for people with varying needs.
How to Prepare for the EAA
Here’s a quick 6-step checklist to help you stay on track:
- Determine if your website or service falls under the EAA.
- Run a full accessibility and inclusivity audit.
- Do a gap analysis to identify weak spots.
- Plan and implement necessary improvements.
- Double-check local requirements for EU member states.
- Repeat regular audits to stay ahead of changing legislation.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
This one’s worth paying attention to: if you’re found to be non-compliant with the EAA after the June 28, 2025 deadline, fines could reach up to €1,000,000—depending on the scale of your business and the nature of the breach. In some cases, non-compliant services can be removed from the market altogether.
Bonus: Accessibility Helps SEO
Here’s the cherry on top—everything you do to make your site more accessible also boosts your visibility in search engines. Things like semantic HTML, proper heading structures, alt text, and keyboard-friendly navigation help both users and bots understand your content better. It’s not just compliance; it’s conversion fuel.
Terms and Conditions
Not technically mandatory, but strongly recommended. They’re your safety net if anything goes sideways.
- What users can (and can’t) do on your site
- How is your content protected
- What happens if someone tries to take legal action
It’s not about scaring people—it’s about setting expectations and protecting your business.
E-commerce Compliance
Running an online shop? There are extra rules for you under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013:
- Be transparent about product info and pricing (including VAT and delivery)
- Clearly state your refund and cancellation policies
- Confirm orders via email or other written form
Basically, don’t surprise people at checkout—or after.
Contact Information
People need to be able to get hold of you. That means:
- An email address
- A geographic (not just PO Box) address
- Your company registration details (if you have them)
Stick this on your “Contact” or “About” page and you’re sorted.
Online Safety Act 2023
If your website hosts user-generated content—think forums, comment sections, even review boxes—you may fall under the scope of the Online Safety Act. It’s mainly aimed at the big players, but small businesses can still be affected.
The key takeaway: if users can upload, share, or comment, you need to take steps to moderate that content and remove anything harmful or illegal.
Show Off Your Sustainability
It’s not a legal requirement, but more and more customers want to know what you stand for. Including a page or section about your environmental commitments isn’t just a nice touch—it’s part of building trust and transparency in 2025.
Wrap-Up (With a Bonus Win for You)
There you have it. The legal must-haves for your website in 2025—told with a bit more personality than your average compliance doc.
And here’s the kicker: many of these legal requirements overlap with SEO best practices. Clean site structure, accessible design, transparent content—it all helps your Google ranking too.
So why not kill two birds with one form?
We’ll review your site for legal compliance, performance, accessibility, and everything in between—no strings attached.
Better safe, seen, and sorted.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For professional legal guidance, please consult a qualified solicitor.
