How to Create a Website Where No Data Leaks and Is 100% GDPR and Cookie Safe

Creating a website that ensures zero data leakage and is fully compliant with GDPR and cookie regulations is critical in today’s data-sensitive world. With increasing government control over digital data and the growing concentration of data in the hands of a few, users are demanding websites where they have full control over their information, ensuring it isn’t misused for purposes like training AI models.

Businesses that fail to prioritize data security and compliance risk hefty fines and damage to their reputation. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a website that is secure, respects user privacy, and complies with GDPR and cookie regulations.

What Does "GDPR and Cookie Safe" Mean?

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), alongside PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations) and the ePrivacy Regulation, are frameworks that govern how personal data is collected, processed, and stored in the European Union. To be GDPR-compliant, your website must:

Similarly, being "cookie safe" means ensuring that your website uses cookies in compliance with GDPR, PECR, and the ePrivacy Directive (Cookie Law). Cookies that track user behavior must only be deployed with explicit user consent.

But building a privacy first website is more than following the law, especially when what the law says still leaves several loop holes for commercial and government actors to access your data, even if you comply with DPAs, encryption at disk and in transfer or hosting your data in your own region.

Principles for Building a Privacy-first website

1. Use a Website Builder That Ensures Ownership

Choose a website builder that doesn’t force you to host the site with the vendor. This ensures you own the website fully and prevents vendors from accessing your design, customers, analytics, and other data. Opt for builders that produce clean, human-readable HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files—commonly possible with static compilers like Flipsite. Additionally, select a hosting provider where the company operates under the legal framework of your preferred country. For example, hosting in Ireland under an American vendor might present legal challenges, particularly in cases involving national security laws.

2. Avoid Third-Party Scripts

Minimize the use of third-party scripts to protect user privacy. For instance, Google Fonts hosted on Google’s servers can allow profiling of users. Instead, host fonts locally. Adopt a design principle of trusting only essential, well-vetted external resources. For example, Flipsite avoids external JavaScript entirely, emphasizing performance and privacy, and endorses lightweight analytics platforms like Plausible, which can even be self-hosted.

3. Minimize Cookie Usage

Use cookies sparingly, and when necessary, implement a non-intrusive cookie popup. In Flipsite, you can add your own custom script, but remember to trust any third-party vendors involved.

4. Encrypt All Traffic

Ensure all communication is encrypted by selecting a hosting provider that supports easy implementation of HTTPS/TLS. Encryption safeguards user data and protects your site from potential attacks. If your website is only a store-front without a webshop, don't host it on the same server as your email server or other central services. A static website on top of that ensures the attack surface is almost zero.

5. Be Transparent in Your Privacy Policy

Beyond regulation compliance, write a privacy policy that is simple and human-readable. Flipsite offers an out-of-the-box privacy policy template listing external services in a transparent manner. Clear communication builds trust and reassures users about their data.

6. Prioritize Accessibility and Design

Build websites that work on slow internet connections, are screen-reader-friendly, and adhere to WCAG standards. Additionally, create visually appealing designs with animations and large images. Flipsite achieves all of this automatically, delivering fast, accessible, and beautifully designed websites.

Final Thoughts

Building a GDPR-compliant and cookie-safe website is not only a legal requirement but also a trust-building strategy for your business. Compliance reduces the risk of hefty fines and enhances your competitive edge by demonstrating your commitment to user privacy. By prioritizing data security and transparency, you create a safer environment for your users and protect your brand’s reputation.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a website where no data leaks and user privacy is respected at every level. If you need expert assistance, consider consulting with GDPR compliance specialists or web developers experienced in privacy-first design.

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