When designing websites for companies — particularly those with specific regulatory bodies — ensuring compliance is paramount. Whether operating in health care, finance or legal sectors, these businesses must handle a web of regulations and legalities to protect their users and themselves.
While website design considers general legal standards — such as data privacy laws and accessibility guidelines — certain industries are subject to additional ordinances that companies must adhere to.
1. ABA Compliance
For law firms and legal practitioners, adhering to the American Bar Association (ABA) guidelines is critical to consider when designing a website. The ABA sets a range of ethical rules that govern law practice, including advertising and communication with the public.
One concern is ensuring all information presented on a legal website is truthful and not misleading. This includes:
- Clear disclosure of attorney qualifications.
- No exaggeration of past successes.
- Avoidance of creating unjustified expectations for potential clients.
Additionally, attorneys must clarify that any information provided does not constitute legal advice and an attorney-client relationship.
2. Disclaimers
Disclaimers help businesses communicate the limitations and scope of their product’s benefits. For instance, if the company is in the health foods and beverages industry, it must follow regulations set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Typically, disclaimers on these websites clarify that the products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases. They also often include statements that the FDA still needs to evaluate the claims made about the products.
This is especially crucial when the products contain ingredients marketed as having health benefits. Moreover, disclaimers should always advise customers to consult with a health care provider before making changes to their diet. Doing so will reduce legal liability and increase customer trust.
3. Labor Law Postings
Labor law postings are crucial for compliance — they keep employees informed of their rights and responsibilities under the law. Traditionally, you would see these notices displayed in a physical workplace. Yet, the labor market has shifted since the rise of remote work, so recent changes require new communication methods.
States across the U.S. are starting to implement labor law posting requirements for company sites. For example, Illinois employers must now provide four labor law notices to remote workers via the company’s website or intranet, while New York employers must provide digital versions of all labor law posters through either their website or email.
The postings should include information on minimum wage, equal pay, child labor and rights under the Wage Payment and Collection Act, among others. For businesses operating out of these states, ensuring these notices are easily accessible on their website is key to compliance.
4. HIPAA Compliance
Health websites that handle sensitive health information are subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements. HIPAA compliance is crucial for any website operated by health care providers, insurance companies and other entities involved in patient information management. This compliance ensures that protected health information (PHI) is confidential and secure.
The key aspects of HIPAA compliance for health websites include:
- Secure transmission protocols
- Health data security
- Strict access controls
Additionally, HIPAA mandates that health websites have clear privacy policies detailing how patient information is collected, used and shared. These policies should also include procedures for obtaining patient consent before using or disclosing their information for non-treatment purposes.
5. Data Security Controls
In the financial industry, banking institutions are custodians of highly sensitive information. To guard this data against breaches, these companies must adhere to stringent regulatory frameworks such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Regulations like these mandate security measures to keep data encrypted and prevent unauthorized access. Approximately 62% of companies in the U.S. have already recognized this need and have started investing in cybersecurity to remain compliant. For example, financial institutions ensure they implement multi-factor authentication to verify user identities and reduce the risk of fraud.
6. HTTPS
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is essential for ensuring the safe transmission of data between the user’s browser and the website. Implementing it encrypts sensitive information, making it more difficult for data misuse.
E-commerce websites must have this system, especially since they deal with online transactions. Without it, unauthorized parties can access customers’ credit card information, personal details and login credentials.
The PCI DSS requires compliance for this. Otherwise, businesses exposed to security breaches are legally liable, so they must enable HTTPS on their websites.
Ensuring Compliance and Trust in Specialized Industries
Building websites for companies with legal needs requires a thorough understanding of industry-specific regulations. Regardless of the sector they operate in, it pays to take the time to research the laws and how to meet legal obligations. Additionally, the online world is constantly evolving, so staying informed about legal compliance is essential for long-term success and integrity.