Overview
Meeting privacy, security, and accessibility standards is now a requirement—not a choice—for small businesses online. Falling short can lead to fines, legal action, and a loss of customer trust.
This guide breaks down the core areas small business owners need to understand to operate safely and credibly online. It covers privacy laws in both the United States and Canada, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, cookie policies, and practical steps to keep your website compliant.
Highlights
• Why Compliance and Security Should Be a Priority
• Key Terms Every Business Owner Should Know
• How Small Businesses Collect and Use Data
• Major U.S. Privacy Laws and Associated Considerations
• Canadian Privacy Laws and Accessibility Guidelines
• Cookie Banners and Policy Requirements
• ADA Compliance and Website Accessibility
• What Happens if You Don’t Comply
• How To Build a Compliant and Secure Website
• Ongoing Compliance Is a Business Essential
• LinkNow Security Bundle
• What To Do Now
Introduction
Small business websites often rely on tools like contact forms, analytics, marketing pixels, and third-party plugins—all of which can trigger legal requirements related to how data is collected, stored, and shared. At the same time, growing expectations around digital accessibility and user control mean that even basic websites are expected to meet certain standards.
This guide is designed to help business owners navigate these responsibilities without the legal jargon. It walks through examples of how personal information is typically gathered online, what technical and policy updates may be needed, and how to assess whether your current setup meets regulatory expectations.
Beyond explaining the rules, the guide offers guidance on implementing foundational protections—such as encryption, policy transparency, and accessibility tools. It also outlines how to identify which regulations apply to your audience based on location, business type, or data practices.
If you’re unsure where to start or what to prioritize, this guide provides a practical framework for making informed decisions, minimizing legal risk, and creating a more user-friendly and trustworthy online presence.
Why Compliance and Security Should Be a Priority
Rising Enforcement and Financial Penalties
Regulators in the United States and Canada are taking enforcement seriously. Small businesses are not exempt from:
- • Fines related to privacy violations
- • Legal action for inaccessible websites
- • Financial exposure following data breaches
Earning and Maintaining Customer Trust
Consumers prefer businesses that protect their personal data and offer transparency. They also expect websites to be usable by people with disabilities. Failing to meet these expectations can lead to reputational harm and lost opportunities.
Preparing for Legal and Industry Changes
Privacy laws and accessibility standards are evolving. Implementing strong data protection measures, accessible design, and clear documentation now helps ensure ongoing compliance.
Key Terms Every Business Owner Should Know
- • Personally Identifiable Information (PII): Data that can identify an individual, such as name, email address, or IP address.
- • Cookies: Small text files stored on a user’s device to manage sessions, track behavior, or enable marketing functions.
- • Privacy Policy: A public-facing document that explains what data is collected, why it is collected, how it is shared, and how users can exercise their rights.
- • Cookie Policy: A policy that outlines the use of cookies and tracking technologies, often integrated into or linked from the Privacy Policy.
- • Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption: A security protocol that encrypts data between the user’s browser and the website. This is commonly indicated by a lock icon and "https://" in the address bar.
- • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): U.S. legislation that prohibits discrimination based on disability. In the context of websites, it requires digital content to be accessible to people with visual, auditory, or mobility impairments.
How Small Businesses Collect and Use Data
Common Methods of Data Collection
- • Website forms: Contact forms, quote requests, and payment pages often collect names, email addresses, and phone numbers.
- • Analytics and tracking: Tools such as Google Analytics or Meta Pixel collect IP addresses and user behavior.
- • Third-Party tools: Email platforms, payment processors, and content management system plugins often gather and process PII.
The Role of SSL Encryption
SSL encryption ensures that data entered on your site cannot be intercepted during transmission. Browsers display a security warning if SSL is not active, which can discourage users from completing forms or making purchases.
Major U.S. Privacy Laws and Associated Considerations
California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA)
Applies if: You collect PII from residents of California.
Requirements include:
- • Disclosures about PII collection
- • “Do Not Track” settings
- • Effective date and policy update process
Additional considerations:
- • SSL encryption is recommended, though not mandated.
- • ADA lawsuits are common in California for websites lacking accessibility features.
Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 603A
Applies if: You collect data from residents of Nevada.
Requirements include:
- • Disclosure of PII categories and data sales
- • Clear opt-out mechanisms for users
Additional considerations:
- • SSL is strongly advised to protect PII.
- • ADA compliance is encouraged to reduce legal risk.
Delaware Online Privacy and Protection Act (DOPPA)
Applies if: You collect or track users from Delaware.
Requirements include:
- • PII collection disclosures
- • Information about tracking and updates to policies
Additional considerations:
- • SSL enhances legal defensibility.
- • ADA-friendly design is expected for public-facing sites.
California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)
Applies if: Your business meets certain thresholds, such as $25 million in annual revenue, 50,000–100,000 customers, or more than 50 percent of revenue from data sales.
Requirements include:
- • Additional disclosure about selling personal data
- • Enhanced user rights to access, delete, or restrict data
Additional considerations:
- • SSL is essential for compliance.
- • While ADA is not part of CPRA, accessible websites reduce legal exposure.
Canadian Privacy Laws and Accessibility Guidelines
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
Applies if: You collect PII during commercial activities involving Canadian residents.
Policy must:
- • Identify the type of data collected and why
- • Outline how users can access or correct their data
Additional considerations:
- • SSL qualifies as a reasonable safeguard.
- • Accessibility best practices are expected, especially under provincial legislation such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Quebec Law 25 (formerly Bill 64)
Applies if: You collect data from residents of Quebec.
Requirements include:
- • Disclosures on profiling and automated decisions
- • Details on cross-border data transfers
- • Identification of a privacy officer
Additional considerations:
- • SSL encryption supports compliance with data security requirements.
- • Digital accessibility aligns with Quebec’s emphasis on consumer protection and nonprofit accountability.
Cookie Banners and Policy Requirements
What Your Banner Should Include
- • Explanation of what cookies are in use
- • Options to accept or decline non-essential cookies
- • Transparent, user-friendly language
Legal Context:
- • Some U.S. states, such as California under CPRA, require opt-out options.
- • Canadian law may require opt-in for sensitive data collection.
Why SSL Matters for Cookies
Cookies used without SSL can be intercepted or manipulated. Encrypted connections protect session IDs and prevent unauthorized access.
ADA Compliance and Website Accessibility
ADA compliance means making web content accessible to people with disabilities.
This can include:
- • Screen reader compatibility
- • Adjustable font sizes and color contrast
- • Keyboard navigation and alternative text
Why It’s Necessary
- • U.S. courts increasingly classify websites as places of public accommodation.
- • Inaccessible sites are often the subject of lawsuits or demand letters.
- • Accessible websites improve user experience for a broader audience.
Steps to Begin
- • Install an ADA widget or banner to provide on-page accessibility tools
- • Align your website with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 or higher
What Happens if You Don’t Comply
Privacy Violations
Fines can accumulate based on the number of users affected. Regulators may also issue cease-and-desist orders or require ongoing audits.
SSL Negligence
Data breaches caused by a lack of encryption may lead to legal action and damage your reputation. Non-secure websites often experience high bounce rates due to browser warnings.
ADA Non-Compliance
Legal action can come from advocacy groups or individuals. Settlements are costly and repeated violations can lead to additional enforcement or reputational damage.
How To Build a Compliant and Secure Website
- • Secure your site: Use SSL across all pages.
- • Map your data collection: Identify every source of PII and ensure third-party tools follow best practices.
- • Identify applicable laws: Know where your users are located and which regulations apply.
- • Update your policies: Make sure your Privacy and Cookie Policies are current and legally sound.
- • Add a cookie banner: Include opt-in/opt-out controls and connect it to a management platform.
- • Install an ADA banner or widget: Ensure your site is usable by individuals with disabilities.
- • Audit regularly: Review SSL status, policy updates, and accessibility at least once per year.
Ongoing Compliance Is a Business Essential
- • Monitor changes in privacy legislation such as CPRA and Quebec Law 25.
- • Train staff on proper handling of customer data.
- • Use scanning tools to identify accessibility issues.
- • Renew SSL certificates before they expire to avoid security warnings.
LinkNow Security Bundle
If managing compliance on your own is time-consuming or unclear, the LinkNow Security Bundle offers a simple, comprehensive solution.
Our team handles:
- • SSL installation and renewal
- • ADA tools and banners
- • Cookie banner setup
- • Ongoing legal policy updates
This service is designed to reduce risk, improve customer confidence, and free up your time.
What To Do Now
A Quick Heads-Up
This guide provides general information only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult a legal professional for advice specific to your business.
Your Next Move
Here’s what you can do right now:
- ✔ Enable SSL encryption across your entire site.
- ✔ Install an ADA widget or perform an accessibility audit.
- ✔ Review and update your Privacy and Cookie Policies.
- ✔ Add a compliant cookie banner.
- ✔ Schedule a yearly compliance review or sign up for the LinkNow Security Bundle.
Let Us Do It for You
If you’ve made it this far, you already know what’s at stake—fines, lawsuits, lost trust. But the good news? You don’t have to handle it all on your own.
The LinkNow Security Bundle handles everything—SSL, ADA, cookies, policies, and ongoing updates—so you can focus on running your business while we keep you compliant.
Protect your website. Build trust. Stay compliant—without lifting a finger.
Contact us today at +1 888-667-7186 to get started with the Security Bundle.
