If your website tracks visitors—even passively—you may have legal obligations you didn’t expect.

Many business owners assume cookie policies only apply to large corporations or e-commerce sites. In reality, most modern websites use cookies or tracking technologies, often without the owner realizing it—and that’s when compliance issues arise.

What a Cookie Policy Actually Covers

A cookie policy explains how your website collects, uses, and stores data from visitors through cookies, pixels, or similar technologies. These tools may track user behavior, location, device information, or preferences. Even basic tools like Google Analytics, embedded videos, social media plugins, scheduling tools, or ad tracking pixels can trigger disclosure requirements.

When a Cookie Policy Is Required

If your website:

• Uses analytics or tracking tools
• Collects personal data through forms
• Serves ads or retargets visitors
• Has visitors from outside the United States

In these situations, a cookie policy is often required, and in some cases, your website may also need a consent or opt-out mechanism depending on how data is collected and used.

The Laws Behind the Requirements

Privacy laws such as the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the European Union and California’s CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) and CPRA (California Privacy Rights Act) require transparency around online data collection and tracking. In California, these laws also give consumers specific rights, including the right to know what personal information is collected, request deletion, and opt out of certain data sharing—particularly for advertising and marketing purposes.

Compliance is based on how your website operates, not just the size of your business or whether you intentionally target customers in specific locations. Websites are accessible globally by default, which means even small or service-based businesses can fall within these requirements.

A Practical Way to Get Started

A practical way to approach this doesn’t have to be complicated. First, confirm what tools and tracking technologies are actually running on your website by checking with your web developer, IT consultant, or digital marketing provider. Many business owners are surprised to learn their sites use more tracking than they realized. Next, work with an attorney to translate that information into the appropriate legal disclosures, policies, and consent mechanisms required for your business.

A cookie policy is not a standalone document. It works alongside your privacy policy, terms of use, and other disclosures, all of which should reflect how your website actually functions. Copy-and-paste templates often miss key details and can create more risk than protection.

Where Legal Guidance Fits In

If you’re unsure where to start, Chase Law Group can work with you and your website or technology provider to review your online practices and prepare clear, practical policies that align with your business. Taking these steps now can help prevent disruption, complaints, or compliance issues later.

We don’t do tech—but we do help with the legal side.
Contact Chase Law Group today

WWW.CHASELAWMB.COM
310-545-7700

_{Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice and does constitute an attorney-client relationship. It is recommended to consult with an attorney directly for specific guidance pertaining to your business and its practices.}