The 2026 Developer's GDPR & CCPA Checklist

If you build websites for clients, missing these items exposes them (and you) to massive liability. Complete this checklist before launching any new site.

1. Data Collection & Tracking

• Audit all third-party scripts: Identify Google Analytics, Meta Pixels, Hotjar, Hubspot, etc.
• Implement a Cookie Banner: Must block scripts *before* the user gives explicit consent (Opt-in, not Opt-out).
• Minimize Data Collection: Only ask for the data absolutely necessary for the service.

2. Legal Documentation

• Privacy Policy: Must explicitly state what data is collected, why, who it is shared with, and how long it is kept.
• Terms of Service: Limit your liability and define user rules.
• Data Processing Agreement (DPA): Required if you use subprocessors (like AWS, Stripe, Vercel).

3. User Rights (The "Right to be Forgotten")

• Data Request Process: Have a clear method (form or email) for users to request all their data or ask for its deletion.
• Easy Opt-Out: Ensure users can revoke cookie consent just as easily as they gave it.