Site check

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Website Check by Online Law Experts

A website check by online law professionals ensures that an online presence complies with German, EU, and international legal requirements. This audit covers essential legal aspects, including data protection (GDPR), e-commerce regulations, consumer rights, IT security, and intellectual property law. Below is an in-depth explanation of what a legal website check can include.

1. Key Areas of a Website Legal Compliance Check

A. Website Imprint (Impressum) – Legal Notice Compliance

Under § 5 Telemedia Act (TMG) and § 18 Medienstaatsvertrag (MStV), businesses operating online must provide a legally compliant Impressum (legal notice).

✅ Key Checks:

• Full company details (name, address, registration number, contact information).
• Responsible person for website content (in case of journalistic content).
• VAT ID (if applicable, § 27a UStG).
• BaFin license details (for financial services).

✅ Example Issue:
A company fails to include a full business address in the Impressum, leading to a warning letter (Abmahnung) from a competitor.

B. Privacy Policy (Datenschutzerklärung) – GDPR Compliance Check

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), websites must have a transparent privacy policy that informs users about data processing.

✅ Key Checks:

• GDPR-compliant privacy policy (§§ 13-14 GDPR).
• Legitimate basis for data processing (Art. 6 GDPR).
• User rights (access, deletion, rectification, objection).
• International data transfers (Schrems II compliance).

✅ Example Issue:
A website uses Google Fonts without user consent, violating GDPR (LG München I, Az. 3 O 17493/20), leading to fines.

C. Cookie Policies & Consent Management (ePrivacy & GDPR Compliance)

Websites using cookies or tracking technologies must comply with GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive.

✅ Key Checks:

• Cookie banners and consent tools must meet GDPR standards.
• No pre-ticked checkboxes for non-essential cookies (CJEU ruling – Planet49, Case C-673/17).
• Users must be able to refuse or withdraw consent easily.
• Detailed cookie policy describing tracking technologies.

✅ Example Issue:
A website sets tracking cookies before user consent, leading to legal risks and GDPR fines.

D. Terms & Conditions (AGB) – Contract Law Compliance

A legally compliant AGB (Terms and Conditions) is crucial for online businesses under §§ 305-310 BGB.

✅ Key Checks:

• Fair and transparent contract terms (no hidden clauses).
• Consumer withdrawal rights (§ 355 BGB, EU Directive 2011/83/EU).
• Payment, refund, and cancellation policies.
• Legal enforceability of contract terms.

✅ Example Issue:
An online shop tries to exclude the right of withdrawal for regular goods, which violates consumer law.

E. E-Commerce Compliance (Online Shops & Marketplaces)

For online stores, compliance with § 312 BGB (Distance Selling Law) and the EU Consumer Rights Directive is essential.

✅ Key Checks:

• Clear product descriptions and pricing transparency (§ 312j BGB).
• Legally compliant checkout process (Buttonlösung – BGH, Az. III ZR 192/17).
• 14-day right of withdrawal for consumers (§ 355 BGB).
• Automatic order confirmation emails and invoice issuance.

✅ Example Issue:
An online store does not display total costs before purchase, making the contract invalid.

F. Cybersecurity & IT Law Compliance (IT-Sicherheitsgesetz)

A website must implement adequate security measures to protect user data and prevent cyberattacks.

✅ Key Checks:

• SSL/TLS encryption for secure data transmission.
• Protection against data breaches and hacking (IT-Sicherheitsgesetz).
• Compliance with DSGVO Art. 32 (data security measures).
• Regular penetration testing and security audits.

✅ Example Issue:
A website without SSL encryption risks a fine under GDPR if personal data is leaked.

G. Intellectual Property (Copyright & Trademark Compliance)

Websites must respect intellectual property rights to avoid legal disputes.

✅ Key Checks:

• Legitimate use of images, videos, and music (Urheberrecht).
• Trademark protection for business names & logos (DPMA, EUIPO).
• Third-party content licensing & attributions.
• Handling copyright infringement claims (DMCA, Abmahnungen).

✅ Example Issue:
A business unknowingly uses copyrighted images, leading to cease-and-desist letters (Abmahnung) and fines.

H. Influencer & Advertising Law Compliance (UWG, Medienstaatsvertrag)

Websites running advertisements, affiliate marketing, or influencer content must comply with:

✅ Key Checks:

• Clear labeling of sponsored content (§ 5a UWG, Influencer-Gesetz).
• No hidden advertising (Schleichwerbung).
• Proper disclosure for affiliate links.
• Advertising to minors regulations.

✅ Example Issue:
An influencer’s blog fails to label sponsored content, leading to a fine from competition authorities.

I. Liability & Legal Risk Assessment

A website operator's liability depends on whether they act as a content provider, platform, or intermediary.

✅ Key Checks:

• Liability for third-party content (NetzDG, Digital Services Act).
• Liability for user-generated content (host liability laws).
• Defamation, slander, and unlawful statements.

✅ Example Issue:
A website hosts defamatory content but does not remove it, leading to legal action.

2. Results of a Website Check & Next Steps

After completing a legal website check, we provide:

✔ Detailed compliance report with identified risks.
✔ Practical recommendations for legal updates.
✔ Immediate action plan to avoid warnings or lawsuits.
✔ Ongoing monitoring and legal support.

3. Costs & Duration of a Website Legal Check

Cost Structure:

• Basic website check: €300 - €500.
• Full legal audit (GDPR, contracts, compliance): €1,000 - €3,000.
• Customized compliance strategy: Project-based pricing.

Typical Duration:

• Basic review: 2-5 days.
• Full compliance check: 1-2 weeks.

4. Conclusion: Why a Website Check is Essential

A legal website audit protects businesses from:
✅ Fines and penalties for GDPR violations.
✅ Warnings (Abmahnungen) for missing legal notices.
✅ Consumer lawsuits over unfair contract terms.
✅ Cybersecurity threats and liability risks.