For U.S. businesses, understanding the website laws you need to follow is critical. Non-compliance exposes companies to legal risk, financial penalties, and damage to reputation. From ADA accessibility requirements to data privacy regulations, adhering to federal and state laws ensures your website serves all users safely and inclusively.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of essential website laws and compliance strategies for businesses in major U.S. states and cities.
Understanding Key Website Laws
Website laws are regulations that govern digital accessibility, privacy, and user protection online. Failing to comply can result in lawsuits, fines, and mandated changes.
Major U.S. Website Laws Include:
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) – Requires websites and digital platforms to be accessible for users with disabilities.
- Section 508 – Federal standard for accessibility for government-related websites.
- COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) – Protects data of children under 13.
- FERPA – Privacy of student educational records for schools and educational institutions.
- HIPAA – Protects sensitive patient data for healthcare organizations.
- GDPR & CCPA – Data privacy laws applicable if handling data of EU residents or California residents.
Understanding these laws protects your website from legal action and ensures digital inclusion.
Learn more about ADA compliance and Section 508.
Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance
Ignoring website laws can be costly. Key examples include:
- NAD v. Netflix – Settlement due to inaccessible video captions.
- Robles v. Domino’s – Lawsuit over inaccessible e-commerce site.
- NFB v. Target – Blind users sued for inaccessible online content.
- Small e-commerce retailers – Fines for lack of digital accessibility.
Key takeaway: Businesses of all sizes are vulnerable to lawsuits if websites violate accessibility or privacy laws.
Explore case studies for real-world examples.
Why Following Website Laws is Critical
- Avoid Legal Risks: Compliance shields your business from lawsuits and federal complaints.
- Build Trust with Users: Accessible, compliant websites enhance credibility and consumer confidence.
- Expand Audience Reach: Millions of Americans have disabilities, and privacy-conscious users demand secure websites.
- Boost Business Reputation: Companies adhering to compliance standards gain a competitive edge.
Explore industry-specific solutions for full compliance strategies.
Steps to Ensure Website Compliance
| Step | Action | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Audit | Conduct full website review for accessibility, privacy, and security gaps | Identify potential legal risks |
| Remediation | Implement accessibility fixes, privacy updates, and security measures | Avoid lawsuits, improve usability |
| Employee Training | Train staff on compliance requirements | Maintain ongoing compliance |
| Ongoing Monitoring | Regular updates and testing | Ensure continuous adherence to laws |
Learn more about our compliance solutions.
ADA & Accessibility Laws
ADA compliance is a cornerstone of website law in the U.S. Millions of Americans rely on accessible websites for shopping, learning, and healthcare. Ensuring your website meets ADA standards prevents legal risk and promotes inclusivity.
Key compliance areas include:
- Text alternatives for images
- Accessible forms and navigation
- Captioning for video and audio content
- Screen-reader compatibility
Detailed WCAG compliance guide.
Privacy and Data Protection Laws
Compliance ensures trust, protects customers, and reduces legal exposure.
- COPPA: Websites targeting children under 13 must collect data only with parental consent.
- FERPA: Educational institutions must protect student information online.
- HIPAA: Healthcare websites must secure patient data and communications.
- GDPR / CCPA: Applicable for international and California users, focusing on personal data transparency and control.
Explore full compliance pages.
State-Specific Compliance Considerations
Certain U.S. states enforce stricter digital regulations:
- California (CCPA + ADA) – Aggressive enforcement for privacy and accessibility.
- New York – Focus on public services and digital consumer rights.
- Florida – Lawsuits common for retail and healthcare websites.
- Texas & Illinois – High risk for e-commerce and service providers.
Businesses must tailor compliance strategies for local regulations in addition to federal requirements.
Common Questions About Website Laws
Q1: What websites must comply with ADA?
All public-facing websites for businesses with 15+ employees.
Q2: Can small websites be sued for non-compliance?
Yes, even small online retailers or local service providers face legal action.
Q3: What are penalties for violating privacy laws?
Fines can range from $10,000–$75,000+ per incident, plus mandatory remediation.
Q4: How often should a website be checked for compliance?
Regularly, at least quarterly, especially after major updates or redesigns.
Check real-world ADA & compliance case studies.
Case Studies Highlighting Website Law Violations
- Sweetgreen Mobile App: Inaccessible app features prompted remediation.
- Bank Inaccessible Online: Lack of accessibility led to legal settlement.
- Fashion Nova: Privacy and accessibility settlements highlight multi-law risks.
- Harvard/MIT v. NAD: Universities faced digital accessibility lawsuits.
These cases show that no business is exempt—proactive compliance is essential.
Take Action: Protect Your Website and Business
Website compliance is non-negotiable. Ensuring accessibility, privacy, and legal adherence protects your brand, avoids lawsuits, and builds consumer trust. Businesses can take immediate action by implementing full-service compliance solutions.
Protect your website and meet all U.S. compliance requirements today. Explore our full-service compliance solutions for your business.
ADA compliance guide | Industry compliance solutions | Case studies and legal examples