If you run a website in the UK, GDPR compliance isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement. Whether you’re a sole trader, small business, or large organisation, if you collect or process personal data, your website must meet the UK GDPR rules.
This guide breaks down what you need to do to make your site compliant, in simple terms.
What Is UK GDPR?
After Brexit, the UK retained the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), now known as the UK GDPR. It sets out how personal data must be collected, stored, and used—and applies to anyone processing data from UK residents.
Have a Clear Privacy Policy
Your website needs a Privacy Policy that explains:
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What personal data you collect (e.g. names, emails, IP addresses)
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Why you collect it
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How it’s stored and protected
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Who you share it with (e.g. third-party services like Google Analytics or Mailchimp)
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How users can access, change or delete their data
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How to contact you about privacy concerns
👉 Link to it in your website footer and anywhere you collect personal info.
Use a Cookie Banner
If your site uses cookies that track user behaviour (e.g. for Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, YouTube embeds), you need:
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A cookie banner that appears on first visit
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A way for users to opt in or out of non-essential cookies
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A cookie policy that explains what each cookie does
🔒 Consent must be explicit—no pre-ticked boxes or passive agreement.
Secure Your Website with HTTPS
Data sent through your site (e.g. contact forms, payments) must be secure.
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Install an SSL certificate so your site uses https://
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Most hosting providers include SSL as standard
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This not only protects data but builds trust and helps SEO
Make Forms GDPR-Friendly
If you use contact forms, email sign-ups, or order forms, ensure:
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You only collect the data you need
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You tell users why you’re collecting it
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You get clear consent to use it (e.g. a checkbox for newsletter opt-ins)
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You don’t use consent as a condition unless necessary (e.g. making people agree to marketing just to contact you)
Check Your Third-Party Tools
If your website connects to services like:
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Google Analytics
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Facebook Pixel
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Mailchimp or other email platforms
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CRM systems
...make sure they are GDPR-compliant, and that you have data processing agreements in place where needed.
🧾 Keep a record of all the tools and what data they collect or store.
Give Users Control Over Their Data
Under UK GDPR, users have the right to:
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See the data you hold about them
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Ask for it to be corrected or deleted
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Withdraw consent for marketing
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Request a copy of their data
Make it easy for people to contact you about this—ideally with a dedicated email address or form.
Keep Data Secure
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Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA)
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Keep your website and plugins updated
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Use trusted hosting that offers regular backups and security monitoring
🔐 If you’re collecting any sensitive data, your security measures must reflect that.
Don’t Forget to Register with the ICO
Most businesses that process personal data in the UK must register with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and pay a small data protection fee.
You can check if you need to register here: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/data-protection-fee/self-assessment
Building Trust Through Compliance
GDPR compliance might feel like a headache, but it’s all about building trust and protecting people’s data. By taking simple steps—like using a cookie banner, having a clear privacy policy, and securing your site—you’ll be on the right track.
Need help with making your website GDPR compliant? Contact us at Polyspiral for support with policies, cookie pop-ups, or a full website audit.
