Law 25: Is your WordPress site compliant?

Law 25, which modernizes Quebec’s personal data protection regulations, directly impacts the management of all websites, including those built on WordPress. For site owners, compliance is no longer optional—it’s a legal requirement to protect user information and avoid significant penalties. This article will clearly explain what Law 25 is, the requirements for your site, the technical adjustments needed for WordPress, and the risks of non-compliance.

1. What is Law 25?

Law 25, previously known as Bill 64, is a major reform that governs the protection of personal data in Quebec. Its goals are to strengthen data privacy, hold businesses accountable for data collection, and ensure greater transparency for citizens. The law covers the entire lifecycle of personal data, including its collection, storage, use, sharing, and security. Any organization collecting information about Quebec residents is subject to this law.

What is Law 25, and who does it apply to?

Law 25 applies to any organization, public or private, that collects, uses, or shares personal information in the course of its activities in Quebec. If your WordPress site collects information such as names, email addresses, or browsing data from Quebec visitors through forms, cookies, or analytics tools, you are directly affected. The goal is to make data protection in Quebec a priority for all entities.

2. Obligations for site owners

Compliance with Law 25 places several responsibilities on WordPress site owners. These requirements ensure users retain control over their personal information.

The first principle is clear and explicit consent. You must obtain user consent before collecting any data, particularly through cookies. Transparency is equally critical: your privacy policy must clearly inform visitors about why data is collected, how long it will be retained, and their rights (access, correction, withdrawal of consent). Additionally, data minimization is required—you can only collect the information strictly necessary for the stated purposes.

What are the obligations for a WordPress site under Law 25?

For a WordPress site, obligations include implementing a WordPress consent management system, drafting a clear and accessible WordPress privacy policy, and maintaining a record of your data processing activities. Every form, plugin, and third-party service must be evaluated to ensure compliance. Achieving WordPress site compliance under Law 25 is an ongoing process that requires constant attention.

3. Technical adjustments for WordPress

Assurer la conformité de votre site nécessite des ajustements techniques concrets. Heureusement, l’écosystème WordPress offre des solutions pour vous aider.

The first step is setting up a Law 25-compliant cookie banner. A Consent Management Platform (CMP) plugin is essential to allow users to accept or reject non-essential cookies in a granular way. It should also store proof of their consent. Next, secure your WordPress forms (contact forms, newsletters, etc.) to protect transmitted data and limit collection to the bare minimum.

How do you make a WordPress site compliant with Law 25?

To achieve compliance, use recognized WordPress plugins for Law 25, such as Complianz, WP GDPR Compliance, or Cookie Notice. These tools help you create consent banners, generate privacy policy templates, and even scan your site to identify data-collecting scripts. Regularly updating your plugins and theme is also crucial, as security vulnerabilities can compromise data protection. A WordPress compliance audit is highly recommended to ensure your configuration remains up to date.

4. Risks and penalties for non-compliance

Ignoring Law 25’s requirements exposes your business to significant risks beyond just technical issues. The penalties for non-compliance with Law 25 are steep.

Non-compliant businesses face fines of up to $25 million or 4% of their global revenue. Beyond administrative penalties, losing users’ trust can severely damage your reputation and revenue. Quebec’s Commission d’accès à l’information (CAI) is responsible for enforcing the law and can conduct inspections or launch investigations in response to complaints. Documenting your compliance processes is therefore critical for protection.

What are the risks if my WordPress site isn’t compliant with Law 25?

In addition to hefty fines, a non-compliant site risks being seen as untrustworthy by visitors, potentially reducing traffic and conversions. In the event of a data breach, the lack of adequate protections will only worsen your liability. Non-compliance is a major financial and reputational risk that no business can afford to take.

Conclusion

Achieving Law 25 compliance for your WordPress site is essential for any business operating online. It’s an opportunity to strengthen user trust by making transparency and security the cornerstones of your digital strategy.

To ensure your site meets all requirements, it’s recommended to conduct a full compliance audit. This will help you identify gaps and implement the right tools and processes. Professional services can guide you through this complex process, helping you maintain compliance and focus on your core business with confidence.

SatelliteWP assists businesses in making their WordPress site fully compliant with Law 25. Our experts conduct detailed audits and deploy customized solutions to manage user consent, secure forms, and update privacy policies. Thanks to our expertise, we help you anticipate regulatory changes and ensure optimal personal data protection, while preserving your site’s performance and reliability.