How To Write Terms & Conditions For Your Website (2025 Updated)

Contents

If you’re operating online – or if your business has a website – you will need some terms and conditions to govern how people use your site. These are commonly referred to as Website Terms & Conditions, and in 2025 they continue to play a crucial role in defining the rules of engagement for your online presence.

You’ll need Website Terms & Conditions regardless of whether you’re operating an online store. For instance, you might have a website dedicated to the history of bushrangers, which only contains information without any products or services on offer. Alternatively, you might run a clothing store. In all these cases, having comprehensive Website Terms & Conditions is essential to ensure you are protected and that your visitors are informed of their rights and obligations.

Website Terms & Conditions can be a relatively short document, but it is important to have one in place to limit your liability and clearly specify how users are permitted to access and interact with your site.

What To Include In Website Terms & Conditions

Your Website Terms & Conditions should be tailored to the unique needs of your business and the functionalities of your website. However, here are some general elements you should consider including:

Intellectual Property

An intellectual property clause protects the content on your website by specifying how it may be used. For example, you might state that users are free to view and share the information for personal use, but any commercial use or reproduction without permission is prohibited. Ensuring proper use of your content helps preserve your creative assets, much like protecting your intellectual property through trade marks.

Liability

If your website offers advice or information, it is wise to include a liability clause. Imagine your site provides a step-by-step guide on foraging wild mushrooms; if someone misapplies this guidance and suffers harm, your liability clause would help limit your responsibility under New Zealand law. Updated for 2025, this provision is more critical than ever in today’s digital environment.

External Links

Your website may contain links to third-party sites for additional information. It is important to state that you do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of information provided on external links, and that you are not liable if these links become outdated. This is particularly relevant as the online landscape changes rapidly—see our related guidance on legal tips for keeping your digital content current.

Privacy

Your website should also feature a comprehensive Privacy Policy, outlining how user data is collected, stored, and used. It is advisable to reference this policy within your Website Terms & Conditions to ensure clarity and compliance with data protection laws as amended in 2025. Our Privacy Policy service can help you keep informed on the latest regulatory updates.

Updates

This section of your Website Terms & Conditions should inform users that you reserve the right to modify your website, including these terms, at any time. By continuing to use your website, users agree to the most recent version of your terms and conditions. It is a straightforward way to maintain flexibility and ensure that your website reflects any changes in legislation or business practices in 2025.

Jurisdiction

Given that the internet is a global platform, users may be accessing your website from anywhere in the world. The jurisdiction clause designates that New Zealand law governs the use of your website and resolves any disputes. This is particularly important for local businesses looking to uphold their legal rights, as seen in our guidance on legal standards for business operations.

In addition to these core components, consider adding a clause covering user responsibilities—making it clear that users must not misuse the website or its content. This further reinforces that while you strive to keep your site accurate and secure, you cannot control every action taken by those visiting your site. For more detailed assistance, our services page offers tailored advice designed to support your business.

The Takeaway

While you cannot control how every visitor uses your website, having robust Website Terms & Conditions will help you limit liability and set clear expectations. This legal foundation is indispensable for safeguarding your online presence in today’s evolving digital landscape.

Regardless of the type of business you run, a detailed set of Website Terms & Conditions will protect your interests and inform users effectively. If you need expert advice or assistance in drafting or updating your legal documents, contact Sprintlaw on 0800 002 184 or by email at [email protected]. You can also explore our resources on business setup guides and contract drafting for further insights. We’re always available for a free consultation to help ensure that your website complies with the latest legal requirements in 2025.

Justine Wu

Justine is a legal consultant at Sprintlaw. She has experience in civil law and human rights law with a double degree in law and media production. Justine has an interest in intellectual property and employment law.

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