Legal organisations handle sensitive client data daily, making their websites a prime focus for compliance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). A GDPR website audit ensures your site is not just legally compliant but also builds trust, enhances security, and demonstrates professionalism. With increasing scrutiny on how personal data is handled, this process is essential for law firms and chambers that want to remain at the forefront of ethical practices. Here’s why it matters.
Why do GDPR website audits matter?
The GDPR was introduced to safeguard individuals’ personal data and the public is now aware of their rights. In July 2024, the ICO reported a 15% increase in complaints regarding financial service companies’ handling of SARs (subject access requests), following high-profile cases like Nigel Farage’s “debanking” incident. This surge indicates growing public awareness and scrutiny of organisations’ compliance with data access rights.
In addition, now that amendments to the UK GDPR have been postponed (at least for the foreseeable future) and the EU is streamlining processes (and crossborder cooperation) to take faster and more consistent action against non-compliance, it would appear enforcement is now more rigorous than ever.
Regulators are levying substantial fines for non-compliance, with some penalties reaching millions of pounds. For legal organisations, the stakes are especially high. Mishandling personal data not only risks financial penalties but could also damage the trust and reputation critical to your success. A GDPR website audit helps you address gaps in your compliance and ensures your website meets regulatory expectations.
The audit is especially relevant for legal organisations because it addresses the most visible part of your practice: your website. It’s where clients, potential referrers, and partners interact with your firm online, and it must reflect the same level of care and professionalism as the services you offer.
The benefits of a GDPR website audit
1. Build client trust
Legal clients expect transparency and professionalism in all aspects of your service. A clear and accessible privacy policy shows that your firm respects client data rights. This trust can be a key differentiator in an increasingly competitive legal market. Read our post Privacy & cookies: best practice for compliance with GDPR and PECR to learn more about the specifics of a compliant privacy policy and the need for a consent management platform.
2. Reduce legal risk
Failing to comply with GDPR can lead to fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% of your organisation’s annual turnover. Addressing compliance gaps with an audit helps you mitigate these risks.
3. Improve security
A GDPR website audit includes an assessment of how data is stored and secured, identifying vulnerabilities like a lack of encryption or outdated software. Implementing recommendations strengthens your website’s defences against breaches. For more information on website security audits, read our post: Why do we need a regular website security audit?
4. Streamline operations
By reviewing your website’s data collection practices, the audit can help you eliminate redundant or unnecessary processes. This simplifies compliance and reduces operational inefficiencies.
5. Future-proof your website
GDPR isn’t static—data protection regulations evolve. A website audit helps you stay ahead by addressing issues like the local hosting of Google Fonts or compliance with third-party services. Google Fonts is an example of a third-party service that can be set up in both a GDPR-compliant and non-GDPR-compliant way. Read our post Are Google fonts GDPR compliant? for more information on this issue.
What does a GDPR website audit involve?
A GDPR website audit examines how your site collects, stores, and processes data. It reviews key areas such as:
- Privacy policy: does your website have a GDPR-compliant privacy policy? Does it explain why you collect data, how long you retain it, and how users can exercise their rights?
- Cookie consent: are users informed about cookies, and can they manage their preferences easily? Is your consent management platform e.g. Complianz configured correctly and operating as it should?
- Data collection: does your site collect and store only what is strictly necessary? Are forms and other input methods minimal and compliant?
- Third-party integrations: are plugins, analytics tools, or other third-party services GDPR-compliant?
- Access and deletion requests: can users easily request copies of their data or ask for it to be deleted?
You will receive a copy of the 30+ point audit together with actionable recommendations for improvement where necessary. As well as opportunities to remove cookie reliant software where possible.
Carrying out the audit on an annual basis will ensure that any gaps will be identified and resolved should your organisation’s circumstances change, wider regulatory changes be made, or any settings on the website change or become outdated.
What a GDPR website audit does not cover
It’s worth noting that a GDPR website audit focuses solely on your site. While it ensures your website is compliant, it doesn’t extend to your wider organisation’s data protection practices, such as staff training or internal IT policies. If you need support with organisational compliance, additional resources may be required.
Next steps
For legal organisations, a GDPR website audit is more than a compliance check—it’s a commitment to ethical practice and client care. If you’d like to know more or book an audit, please get in touch. GDPR audits for non-legal organisations are also available.
Disclaimer
This article and the audit it recommends are for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If in any doubt, readers should consult qualified legal professionals for specific guidance. The authors are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this content.