regulations

UK Website Legal Requirements: GDPR, Cookies & Accessibility

The UK rules your business website must meet on data, cookies and accessibility, and what 'good enough' looks like.

8 min read Updated 2026-07-01
Darren Dudley, Founder & Director at BuzzBytes
Written by Darren Dudley
Experienced practitioner1 July 2026

GDPR and data protection

Any form that collects personal data needs a lawful basis, a privacy notice, and secure handling. You must be able to export or delete someone's data on request. Consent must be documented, not assumed.

Cookies and consent

Non-essential cookies (analytics, marketing) require informed, active consent before they load, not a banner that pre-ticks boxes. A compliant consent tool and a cookie policy are expected.

Accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA)

Public-sector bodies must meet WCAG 2.1 AA by law; for private businesses it's a legal risk under the Equality Act 2010 if a disabled user can't use your site. Good practice, alt text, keyboard navigation, contrast, clear structure, protects you and widens your market.

Company information

UK limited companies must display registered name, number and address on the website. Other rules apply to specific sectors, e.g. care and financial services. We advise checking your sector's requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Do I legally need an accessible website?

Public-sector sites must meet WCAG 2.1 AA by law. Private businesses face legal risk under the Equality Act 2010 and reputational risk. Accessibility is also good for SEO and conversions.

What makes a cookie banner compliant?

Non-essential cookies must not load until the user actively consents. Pre-ticked boxes and 'continue browsing implies consent' are not compliant.

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Darren Dudley, Founder & Director at BuzzBytes
Written by Darren Dudley
Experienced practitioner1 July 2026
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