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Your website becomes a significant investment when you operate an online business. In particular, you should pay attention to website design and content, including product descriptions and information, to attract potential buyers. You must also prioritise user experience, particularly during the checkout process. However, considering what information to avoid on your eCommerce site or online store is equally important. Your site must comply with the law at all times, and this involves not publishing prohibited information. This article outlines the essential details and information you should avoid providing on your eCommerce site.
Information to Avoid
When setting up your eCommerce site, it is essential to know what information to avoid providing. You should leave out specific details to prevent legal issues and to ensure the success of your online business. Let us explore these specific details to avoid.
False Information
When you place content on your website, it is crucial to ensure its accuracy and truthfulness. This applies across various aspects, such as the comments you respond to, including online reviews and the information shared on your social media accounts, which often link back to your website. Establishing trust with your customers and building a reputable internet business is essential. Moreover, including false statements about individuals or other businesses on your website could lead to defamation claims against your business.
Personal Information
When it comes to your website, avoid sharing personal information. Remember, your eCommerce business represents your professional identity, and revealing personal details could sabotage both your reputation and your business. Protecting your customers’ data is vital, as you have a legal obligation under data protection regulations to keep it secure. If you are considering using customer data for sharing purposes, you must inform them and disclose where it will be shared.
Using Others’ Intellectual Property
When you put information on your website, it is crucial to ensure you have the rights or permission to use it. Utilising someone else’s design without permission constitutes infringement. Similarly, incorporating trademarked images or logos from another business without authorisation constitutes trademark infringement.
Moreover, avoid directly copying and pasting content that is not yours onto your website. Even without violating copyright laws, you might still face penalties. This is because when you copy content from a website, Google could penalise your online presence by lowering your website’s search rankings.
Offensive or Inappropriate Information
It is common sense that you should avoid posting offensive or inappropriate content on your eCommerce website. Doing so not only goes against the purpose of your site but also risks harming your business’ reputation. While you might have a good sense of what is offensive or inappropriate material, it is essential to recognise that it can sometimes be more subtle. For instance, sharing strong opinions on social or political matters could upset your online audience or be deemed as inappropriate content.
This guide sets out how to set up, finance and grow an online business in the UK.
Key Takeaways
As an eCommerce business owner, ensure you provide accurate information on your site to comply with legal requirements and maintain trust with your visitors. Avoid sharing misleading or false information, as it could lead to legal repercussions and damage your reputation. Protect personal data by refraining from disclosing it on your website to avoid breaching data protection laws. Respect intellectual property rights by only using content for which you have proper authorisation. Lastly, maintain a professional and respectful tone on your website to avoid offending customers and driving away potential business.
If you need help with what information you should avoid on your website, our experienced eCommerce lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 0808 196 8584 or visit our membership page.
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