Business Website Compliance for 2025. I've Done the Research.
- Kimberly Lyn Vanzi
- May 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 16
Website Compliance Legal Requirements
Setting up a website and business online while living in Italy comes with a unique set of regulations, and navigating them can feel overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve researched and applied these rules to real businesses, helping them understand what’s required and how to stay compliant without the stress.
When building a business website in Italy, compliance isn’t just a box to check—
It’s essential for avoiding legal issues and building customer trust.
Over the years, I’ve researched Italian business regulations and implemented these requirements in real websites to ensure they meet the necessary legal standards. Italian business websites must follow specific legal rules, but that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated.
Besides the Italian regulations required for websites, the EU has set up its regulations that need to be followed as well.
EU Privacy & Accessibility Rules You Can’t Ignore
As a small business owner, freelancer, or creative professional, you probably didn’t launch your website thinking you’d need to keep up with EU regulations. But 2024 and 2025 are shaping to be pivotal years for digital compliance, and ignoring these changes could cost you more than visibility.
2024: Tightened Privacy Rules Across the EU — and in Italy
The EU's GDPR has been around since 2018, but 2024 brought clearer enforcement and stricter expectations, especially in Italy, where the Garante della Privacy actively monitors sites for:
Clear cookie banners (with real user consent)
Privacy policies written in a simple and understandable language
Controls for tracking tools like Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, and embedded media
Proper handling of contact forms and newsletter sign-ups
Italy is known for being extra strict about cookie compliance, so if your cookie banner just says “Accept” without an option to decline or manage preferences, you may not be compliant.
Even if you're not a big corporation, your website must comply, especially if you're collecting emails, using tracking tools, or embedding external media like YouTube or Instagram.
June 2025: Accessibility Becomes Mandatory Across the EU
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) takes effect June 28, 2025, requiring all commercial websites — not just public entities — to be accessible to people with disabilities.
What this means in practice:
Your site must be navigable by keyboard
Use appropriate contrast, readable font sizes
Include alt text for all images
Allow screen readers to interpret your content
In Italy, this is being paired with national digital accessibility guidelines, and non-compliant businesses could face sanctions.
Did you miss my talk on EU Accessibility?
If you missed my webinar back in January on the EU Accessibility regulations being enforced in June 2025, you might want to check out my blog post on them.
This was my webinar; it is detailed, but if you have any questions, just ask me.
Need help making your website accessible and compliant? I offer quick audits and full reviews— to learn more, book a consultation.
2026 Compliance Updates: For Italy and POS Payments
From January 1, 2026, all businesses accepting online payments will be required to:
Have an integrated invoicing & payment system
Submit electronic payment reports (missed transmissions may result in fines)
Ensure full payment tracking for e-commerce and digital sales
If you use SumUp, Stripe, or PayPal, check whether they are compliant, or get help to set up a legal payment system.
So… is your site ready?
That’s where I come in. I offer two types of Website Audits:
1. Mini Site Audit:
A quick written review of your site's layout, usability, and mobile experience. Perfect for freelancers and solo entrepreneurs who want instant clarity without a full redesign.
2. Full Site Audit:
A deep strategic review covering:
Design and navigation
Accessibility issues (based on WCAG and Italian guidelines)
Privacy and cookie policy visibility
SEO basics and on-page structure
Suggestions for improvement — in plain language
If you’re unsure where to start, I’ll help you figure it out. No tech stress, just clear insights.
Why It Matters
Website visitors today expect a smooth, safe, and inclusive experience — and the law agrees. With Italy’s enforcement agencies more active than ever, 2024–2025 is the time to get ahead of the curve.
Call to Action: Get Your Compliance Check Today
"I ensure every website I design meets Italian compliance standards, so business owners don’t have to stress over legal details. If you need a compliance review or want to update your website to meet regulations, let’s talk!"
Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or e-commerce seller, I’ll break down the legal and technical requirements in a way that actually makes sense, so you can stay focused on running your business, not chasing paperwork.
Please note: My audits are intended to help you update your site to avoid common compliance issues — they are not legal documents. If you’ve received a notice or fine from the Garante della Privacy, you’ll need a certified legal audit done at a huge cost, and I can recommend someone if needed.
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