You don't need to be in Europe to be fined by the EU. If you have a website that accepts visitors from the EU or California, you fall under their jurisdiction. Privacy laws now impact everyone.
1. Cookie Consent (GDPR/ePrivacy)
You cannot set "non-essential" cookies (Marketing pixels, Google Analytics, Facebook tracking) until the user explicitly clicks "Accept."
- Good: A banner that blocks scripts until consent is given.
- Bad: A banner that says "By using this site you agree." (Implied consent is NOT valid under GDPR).
- Ugly: Pre-ticked boxes. The user must opt-in, not opt-out.
2. Privacy Policy
You must clearly state in simple language:
- What data you collect (Email, IP, behavior).
- Why you collect it (Marketing, Functionality).
- Who you share it with (Mailchimp, Google, AWS).
3. The Right to Deletion (RTBF)
If a user emails you saying "Delete my data," you must be able to completely remove them from your database, backups, and mailing lists within 30 days. This is the "Right to be Forgotten."
Tip: Use a Consent Management Platform (CMP) like CookieYes, OneTrust, or Osano. They handle the complex geo-blocking and banner logic for you so you don't get sued.
Key Takeaway
Privacy compliance is not optional. Ignoring GDPR can lead to fines up to 4% of global revenue. Start with a compliant cookie banner and a transparent privacy policy today.