Operating a GDPR-compliant website: how to succeed

😎 Preisaktion

10% discount on all Trackboxx annual subscriptions with the code: tb10action

Christian
8 March 2025

Article last updated on: 17 March 2025

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) places high demands on the protection of personal data on the internet. But what does this mean in concrete terms for website operators? In this article, you will find out what steps you need to take to make your website GDPR-compliant and avoid legal risks.

Who must comply with the GDPR? Are there exceptions?

The GDPR applies to all website operators that process the personal data* of EU citizens - regardless of the location of the company. This includes blogs, online shops, company websites and forums. There are exceptions for purely private or family websites without a commercial purpose. However, anyone who operates a website that is publicly accessible or uses third-party services must generally comply with the GDPR requirements.

*Personal data is all information that relates to an identified or identifiable person. This includes obvious data such as name, address or email address, but also indirect characteristics such as IP addresses, location data or user behaviour on websites. The decisive factor is that the information can directly or indirectly identify a person.

1. privacy policy: mandatory on every website

Every website that processes personal data requires a privacy policy. This must be easily accessible (e.g. via a link in the footer) and contain certain information - including, in particular, answers to the following questions:

What data is collected?
What is the purpose of the processing?
What is the legal basis for this?
How long will the data be stored?
What rights do users have in relation to their data?
Who is responsible for data processing?

A GDPR-compliant privacy policy generator can help you to create a legally compliant text.

2. cookie banner: obtain consent correctly

Tracking technologies such as cookies may not be used without the user's consent. The following points are important:

Opt-in procedureCookies may only be set after active consent.
Real choiceUsers must be able to reject cookies without suffering any disadvantages.
Detailed informationWhich cookies are set and for what purpose?
Subsequent changeUsers should be able to adjust their cookie settings at any time.

Cookie consent tools such as Borlabs Cookie or Cookiebot are recommended. Tip: We have written a separate article in which we explain how you can Design a GDPR-compliant content banner.

Web analysis possible without cookies

Even if No cookies set but a different technology is used for tracking, it is still possible to Duty of consent exist. The GDPR protects all personal dataregardless of the technology used to collect them.

Your advantage with Trackboxx: Our tracking tool provides you with all important information about your website visitors, but does not use cookies and does not collect or process any personal data. Because you don't have to display a consent banner with opt-in for the time being, there are fewer tracking gaps.

Test now for 30 days without obligation

3. SSL encryption: mandatory for secure data transmission

SSL encryption (recognisable by "https://" in the URL) is mandatory if personal data is transmitted via your website (z. e.g. via contact forms). Without SSL, there is a risk of warnings and a loss of trust among visitors.

4. make contact forms GDPR-compliant

If you use contact forms on your website, please note the following:

Data minimisationQuery only necessary fields.
EarmarkingInform users why their data is collected in the form.
Obtain consentUse a checkbox to consent to data processing with reference to the privacy policy.
Set storage periodsYou may not store the data indefinitely.

5. integrate third-party services in compliance with the GDPR

Many websites use external services such as Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel or YouTube videos. So that these are GDPR-compliant:

Google AnalyticsAnonymised IP addresses, concluding a contract for order processing, opt-in solution for users.
YouTube, Google Fonts, social media plugins: Only load with prior consent.
Use alternativesE.g. Matomo instead of Google Analytics or locally embedded fonts instead of Google Fonts.

6. conclude an order processing contract (AVV)

If you use external service providers for web hosting, newsletters or tracking, you will need a Order processing contract (AVV). This regulates how the service providers handle personal data. Many providers (e.g. Mailchimp, Google) make these contracts available online. We do too, by the way.

7. maintain a register of processing activities

Companies and independent website operators are obliged to provide a Processing directory must be kept. This documents which personal data is processed, for what purpose and how it is protected.

Conclusion: GDPR compliance is mandatory

The GDPR places clear requirements on website operators. A privacy policy, a correct cookie banner, SSL encryption and a conscious selection of third-party services are essential. Those who adhere to these requirements will avoid warnings and ensure greater trust among visitors.

Check your website regularly for data protection updates and adapt it accordingly. This way you are on the safe side!

Focus on GDPR

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was adopted by the European Union in 2016 and has been binding since 25 May 2018. The aim is to strengthen the protection of personal data and create standardised regulations within the EU. The GDPR not only affects websites, but also companies, authorities, associations and the healthcare sector. You can find detailed legal texts and up-to-date information on the official Website of the EU Commission or with national data protection authorities such as the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection (BfDI).