{"id":196228,"date":"2026-03-09T14:53:38","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T14:53:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/?p=196228"},"modified":"2026-08-26T07:42:30","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T06:42:30","slug":"social-media-compliance-for-businesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/commercial-contracts\/social-media-compliance-for-businesses\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can Businesses Stay Compliant on Social Media Platforms?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UK e-commerce compliance means meeting several overlapping sets of rules at once. The <em>UK GDPR<\/em> and the <em>Data Protection Act 2018<\/em> govern customer data. The ICO can fine a business up to \u00a317.5 million or 4 per cent of global annual turnover. The <em>Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations<\/em> govern marketing consent and cookies. The <em>Consumer Rights Act 2015<\/em> sets product quality standards. The <em>Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013<\/em> give distance buyers 14 days to cancel. Since 6 April 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority can fine businesses directly for consumer law breaches. The <em>Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024<\/em> prohibits drip pricing and fake reviews. Card payments must also meet the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article explains the data protection, marketing, consumer and payment rules UK e-commerce businesses must follow, plus the website information and cookie requirements that sit alongside them.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"my-7 lg:my-10 border-y-2 border-gray-100 py-7 lg:py-10 flex flex-col sm:flex-row items-start gap-10\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-52 mx-auto my-0! rounded\" src=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/08\/11165912\/LV-Legal-Essentials-for-UK-Online-and-eCommerce-businesses.jpg\" alt=\"Front page of publication\"\n                 loading=\"lazy\" width=\"208\" height=\"298\">\n                <section>\n            <div class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">Legal Essentials for UK Online and eCommerce Businesses<\/div>\n            <div class=\"body-text\">\n                <p>Starting or running an online business? Download this free guide to understand key legal essentials, including contracts, data, and compliance.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            \n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/go.legalvision.co.uk\/legal-essentials-for-uk-online-and-ecommerce-businesses.html\" class=\" block px-5 py-3.5 max-w-fit bg-orange button__hover transition rounded text-white font-bold text-lg no-underline uppercase leading-tight text-center\" target=\"\" rel=\"\">Download Now<\/a>        <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Is Compliance Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Social media compliance means following the laws that apply when users:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>share content;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>interact; or&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>collect and use personal information on a social media service.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you run social platforms, you may have a wide range of obligations, such as duties arising under online safety and data protection laws.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you use <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/ecommerce-online-business\/unlawful-paid-reviews\/\">social media for business marketing<\/a> or branding, you will also be subject to various rules, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>advertising;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consumer protection; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>privacy laws.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n    <p>Social media use is often in the public domain, and breaching legal rules can lead to scrutiny and damage to your business reputation. Compliance is both legally mandatory and important for a good business reputation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Responsibilities Can Arise?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your platform lets users post, message, or share content, then you need to identify and manage the risks these features may create.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Online Safety Duties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <em>Online Safety Act 2023<\/em> imposes duties on in-scope service providers. If your service falls within scope, common duties include identifying risks of illegal and harmful content, and you must put proportionate systems and processes in place to mitigate those risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is important to set up:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>content moderation;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reporting tools; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>clear terms of service that you enforce.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is also vital to carry out risk assessments and regularly review them. The specific legal requirements depend on your service\u2019s size and features, and Ofcom checks compliance and can issue penalties for breaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Data Protection Duties&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The UK GDPR and the <em>Data Protection Act 2018<\/em> require you to handle personal data in accordance with the set principles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Personal data includes:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>names;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>photos;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>messages;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>device IDs; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>usage data.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You need a legal reason to process data, and you must:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>only collect what you need;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>keep it secure; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>not keep it longer than necessary.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--warning\">\n    <p>If your data processing could pose a high risk to people\u2019s rights, you must do a data protection impact assessment before adding the feature. Features such as targeted ads, profiling, algorithmic feeds, and age checks will need careful legal consideration and may require these assessments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Child Specific Rules&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/gdpr-and-child-protection\/\">If children are likely to access your service,<\/a> then you must meet additional standards, as children are afforded significant protection. The Children\u2019s Code requires you to take the best interests of the child into account when designing and operating your online service. You should:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>apply high privacy settings by default;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>limit profiling and behavioural tracking; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>switch off geolocation by default unless you can demonstrate a compelling reason to activate it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Privacy information must be clear, use age-appropriate language and offer children accessible tools to manage their data and raise concerns.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You must also conduct a data protection impact assessment that specifically assesses risks to children where your service is likely to be accessed by them and comply with the Code\u2019s standards. This includes requirements on:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>default settings;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>data minimisation;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>profiling;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>nudge techniques; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>parental controls.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advertising Considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you advertise on your platform, you must ensure your systems comply with applicable advertising laws. You should also consider any specific statutory advertising restrictions and best practices that apply online and impact your operations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">International Considerations&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you operate internationally or you make your service available to users in the European Union, you may also need to comply with additional EU law obligations, including the <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/data-privacy-it\/digitial-services-act\/\"><em>Digital Services Act<\/em><\/a>. These obligations can apply based on where your users are located. If you fall within the scope of these rules, then you may need to seek advice from local lawyers in the EU to properly understand your duties.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#content-next\"\n   class=\"block p-4 mt-10 text-xl font-bold text-center text-white no-underline bg-gray-800 rounded-t-xl\">\n    Continue reading this article below the form\n    <i class=\"text-xl fa-regular fa-arrow-down\"><\/i>\n<\/a>\n<div class=\"px-6 pt-10 pb-12 mb-10 text-center bg-gray-100 rounded-b-xl sm:px-12 test\">\n    <div class=\"mb-8 text-2xl font-bold text-orange\">\n        Need legal advice?\n        <br>\n        <span class=\"text-lg not-prose\">\n                            Call <a href=\"tel:+448081968584\" class=\"not-prose\">0808 196 8584<\/a> for urgent assistance.\n                <br>\n                Otherwise, complete this form, and we will contact you on the same business day.\n                    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n\n<div class=\"not-prose flex justify-center text-left 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Also, remember to understand and follow the platform\u2019s rules and policies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you allow user comments or user-generated social media content on your pages, remember to monitor and manage that content to mitigate risks such as:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>defamation;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>harassment;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>copyright infringement; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>data protection breaches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your business should provide your employees with clear guidance on using social media for work by establishing a written social media policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n    <p>You must also follow advertising and <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/ecommerce-online-business\/consumer-law-considerations\/\">consumer protection rules<\/a> when promoting on social media. For instance, marketing messages should not mislead people. If you use influencers, make sure they clearly state any business relationship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Taking Legal Advice on Your Business Duties&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your compliance duties depend on how your platform or business operates and your social media activities. Various factors determine which rules apply and your risk profile, such as:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>your audience;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>data use; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>business model.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several areas of law may apply when operating or using social media platforms. You should seek legal advice on your specific duties. A regulatory lawyer can help you assess risk, review key documentation, conduct required assessments, and align your business processes with legal requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Website Information and Cookie Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <em>Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002<\/em> require you to publish your business name, address and email address on the site. A company must also give its registered number and registered office. Where you charge VAT, display your VAT number. You must also acknowledge each order without undue delay, usually by automatic email. The regulations apply to any business selling online to UK customers, including a sole trader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>PECR<\/em> governs cookies and similar tracking technologies, not only marketing emails. Set non-essential cookies only after the visitor gives consent. Load analytics and advertising tags after that consent, not when the banner first appears. Give visitors a way to withdraw consent as easily as they gave it. Strictly necessary cookies, for example the basket function, do not need consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ICO enforces the cookie rules alongside the direct marketing rules. Check that your banner lets a visitor reject all non-essential cookies in a single click. Your <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/commercial-contracts\/terms-and-conditions\/\">website terms and conditions<\/a> should also match what the site actually does. An annual review of the banner, the policies and the site footer keeps all three aligned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"lawyer-quote p-4 bg-gray-50 rounded-2xl my-8\">\n    <blockquote class=\"not-prose flex-1 m-0! text-center sm:text-left\">\n        <p class=\"mt-0! text-lg italic\">&ldquo;Most e-commerce businesses get the privacy policy right and then trip over the cookie banner, because the analytics tag fires before anyone clicks anything. Marketing consent and cookie consent sit in the same regulations, so a business that treats them as separate jobs usually has a gap in one of them. Fix the tag loading order first, because it is the cheapest problem on the list to solve.&rdquo;<\/p>\n    <\/blockquote>\n    <figure class=\"flex flex-row gap-6 justify-end items-center mt-4 mb-0\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/30004646\/Malaikah-2534-scaled-e1714435302352-300x300.jpg\" class=\"flex-none w-12 h-12 rounded-full object-cover mx-auto sm:mx-0 wp-post-image\" alt=\"Malaikah Khattak\" srcset=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/30004646\/Malaikah-2534-scaled-e1714435302352-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/30004646\/Malaikah-2534-scaled-e1714435302352-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/30004646\/Malaikah-2534-scaled-e1714435302352-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/30004646\/Malaikah-2534-scaled-e1714435302352-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/30004646\/Malaikah-2534-scaled-e1714435302352-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/30004646\/Malaikah-2534-scaled-e1714435302352.jpg 1706w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>        <figcaption class=\"mt-0 not-italic text-gray-800\">\n            <span class=\"block font-bold\">Malaikah Khattak<\/span>\n                            <span class=\"block font-light\">Associate, LegalVision<\/span>\n                    <\/figcaption>\n    <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you run a social media platform, you need to manage a range of legal issues and risks. This can include online safety laws, data protection rules and the need to apply higher protective standards if children might use your service. If you use social media for business, you must follow a range of advertising, consumer, and privacy laws and have clear internal policies to reduce risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By understanding your legal duties and implementing the right safeguards, you will be in a better place to reduce possible regulatory risks and protect your reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">LegalVision provides ongoing legal support for businesses through our fixed-fee legal membership. Our experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/contract-lawyers-lp\/\">contract lawyers<\/a> help businesses manage contracts, employment law, disputes, intellectual property, and more, with unlimited access to specialist lawyers for a fixed monthly fee. To learn more about LegalVision\u2019s legal membership, call <a href=\"tel:+448081968584\" class=\"AVANSERnumber dynamic-number\">0808 196 8584<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/membership\/\">visit our membership page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773067616316\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the main data protection requirements for UK e-commerce businesses?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Establish a lawful basis for every collection of customer data, publish a privacy policy, and put security measures in place. Give customers access to their data on request. Report a personal data breach to the ICO within 72 hours.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773067625021\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long do UK e-commerce businesses have to process refunds?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Refund within 14 days of receiving the returned goods where a customer cancels during the cooling-off period. Where a customer rejects faulty goods under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, refund without undue delay.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777593180936\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do online customers have the right to change their mind?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. The <em>Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013<\/em> give distance buyers a 14 day cooling-off period, and they do not need a reason. Personalised, perishable and custom-made items fall outside that right.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777593197035\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can the CMA fine my business directly for breaking consumer law?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Since 6 April 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority can investigate and fine a business without going to court. Fines reach \u00a3300,000 or 10 per cent of global annual turnover.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UK e-commerce compliance means meeting several overlapping sets of rules at once. The UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 govern customer data. The ICO can fine a business up to \u00a317.5 million or 4 per cent of global annual turnover. The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations govern marketing consent and cookies. The Consumer<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/commercial-contracts\/social-media-compliance-for-businesses\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;How Can Businesses Stay Compliant on Social Media Platforms?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13458,"featured_media":191801,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[20,21,1196,1527,2592],"class_list":["post-196228","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-commercial-contracts","tag-small-business","tag-medium-business","tag-social-media-policy","tag-social-media","tag-social-media-risks"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is 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