Did you know that web design is a legal field? That’s right, in Canada, there are laws and regulations that govern how websites can be designed and used. If you’re not careful, you could make a mistake that gets your business sued! In this blog post, our partner web design Abbotsford will discuss six common mistakes made by businesses when it comes to web design, as well as some tips on how to stay safe. Stay tuned for more information on the legal side of web design!
Why web design and law go hand-in-hand
You might be wondering why web design and law go hand-in-hand. The answer is simple: in Canada, businesses are legally required to comply with certain rules and regulations when it comes to their website design and use. For example, businesses must ensure that their website is accessible to people with disabilities, that it does not contain hate speech or other offensive content, and that it is not used for illegal activities.
There are also laws governing how businesses can collect, use, and disclose personal information through their website. For example, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) requires businesses to obtain consent from individuals before collecting, using, or disclosing their personal information.
The bottom line is that businesses need to be aware of the legal requirements for website design and use in Canada, and ensure that their website complies with these requirements. Otherwise, they could face serious consequences, including hefty fines and even jail time!
Six common web design mistakes that can get you sued in Canada
Now let’s take a look at six common web design mistakes that can get businesses sued in Canada.
mistake # not having a privacy policy: In Canada, businesses are required to have a privacy policy if they collect, use, or disclose personal information through their website. The privacy policy must explain how the business collects, uses, and discloses personal information, and must be easily accessible to website visitors.
mistake # not having a terms of use agreement: A terms of use agreement is a legal document that sets out the rules and regulations for using a website. In Canada, businesses are required to have a terms of use agreement if they collect, use, or disclose personal information through their website. The terms of use agreement must explain how the business collects, uses, and discloses personal information, and must be easily accessible to website visitors.
mistake # not designating a responsible person for your website: In Canada, businesses are required to designate a responsible person for their website. The responsible person is responsible for ensuring that the website complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
mistake # not complying with PIPEDA: The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is a federal law that governs how businesses can collect, use, and disclose personal information. Businesses are required to comply with PIPEDA if they collect, use, or disclose personal information through their website.
mistake # not complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA): The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is a provincial law that requires businesses to make their website accessible to people with disabilities. Businesses are required to comply with the AODA if they have a website that is accessed by people in Ontario.
mistake # not complying with other applicable laws and regulations: There are numerous other laws and regulations that businesses must comply with when it comes to their website. These include, but are not limited to, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Criminal Code of Canada, and the Competition Act.
The bottom line is that businesses need to be aware of the legal requirements for website design and use in Canada, and ensure that their website complies with these requirements. Otherwise, they could face serious consequences, including hefty fines and even jail time!
Web design tips for businesses
Now that we’ve looked at six common web design mistakes that can get businesses sued in Canada, let’s take a look at some tips to help businesses avoid these mistakes.
Here are four tips for business owners:
tip # ensure you have a privacy policy: In Canada, businesses are required to have a privacy policy if they collect, use, or disclose personal information through their website. The privacy policy must explain how the business collects, uses, and discloses personal information, and must be easily accessible to website visitors.
tip # ensure you have a terms of use agreement: A terms of use agreement is a legal document that sets out the rules and regulations for using a website. In Canada, businesses are required to have a terms of use agreement if they collect, use, or disclose personal information through their website. The terms of use agreement must explain how the business collects, uses, and discloses personal information, and must be easily accessible to website visitors.
tip # designate a responsible person for your website: In Canada, businesses are required to designate a responsible person for their website. The responsible person is responsible for ensuring that the website complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
tip # comply with PIPEDA: The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is a federal law that governs how businesses can collect, use, and disclose personal information. Businesses are required to comply with PIPEDA if they collect, use, or disclose personal information through their website.
By following these tips, businesses can help ensure that their website is compliant with Canadian law.