What to look out for in 2025

Innovations and regulations in online business

Especially in the digital space, where innovation and legal framework conditions often go hand in hand, it is essential to always be up to date. In this article, we take a look at the most important innovations and regulations for the year 2025.

Why are innovations in online business so important?

Online business thrives on its innovative strength. At the same time, however, it is influenced by a growing number of laws and regulations designed to promote consumer protection as well as data security and transparency. Companies are therefore faced with the challenge of not only keeping their digital presence technologically up-to-date, but also acting in a legally correct manner. Those who fail to do so risk not only legal consequences, but also a loss of trust on the part of their customers.

These relate in particular to:

• New data protection regulations.
• Increased accessibility requirements.
•  Regulatory changes in the area of e-commerce.
• Changes in the digital advertising market.
• The most important changes in detail

Data protection: GDPR is being further tightened

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been in force since 2018, but its requirements are constantly being expanded and specified. From 2025, additional regulations will apply to cross-border data traffic. Companies that serve international customers must ensure that personal data is only transferred to countries that offer a level of data protection comparable to that of the EU.
For example, an e-commerce company based in Germany that stores customer data on servers in the USA must prove that this data is processed in compliance with the GDPR. The use of standard contractual clauses alone is no longer sufficient. Instead, additional security measures are required, such as encryption and anonymized data transfers.

Accessibility: New standards for websites

Accessibility is no longer optional. According to EU Directive 2019/882, websites and digital products must meet strict accessibility standards from 2025. This includes, for example, websites being easily accessible for people with visual or hearing impairments.
Example: An online store must ensure that all images are provided with alternative text and that navigation is also possible without a mouse, for example using a keyboard. Companies that do not implement this not only risk penalties, but also the exclusion of a growing customer base.

E-commerce: transparency and rights of return'

There are new requirements for product transparency in e-commerce. Online retailers must now provide more precise information about the origin and sustainability of their products.
For example, a fashion retailer that sources clothing from different countries must clearly state which country the materials come from and the conditions under which they were produced. This transparency not only creates trust, but is increasingly expected by customers.

Digital advertising market: end of third-party cookies

The phasing out of third-party cookies presents companies with major challenges. Many companies used these cookies to place personalized advertising. From 2025, this will hardly be possible anymore, as browsers such as Google Chrome and Safari will no longer support third-party cookies.
Alternative approaches: Companies will have to rely on so-called first-party data, i.e. data that is collected directly from users. In addition, contextual advertising and data protection-friendly technologies such as Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC) are becoming increasingly important.

How companies can be prepared

The innovations and regulations in online business require not only adjustments, but also a strategic reorientation. Companies should act proactively and invest in the following areas:

- Technology: Modern tools and platforms that support data protection and accessibility are essential.
- Training: Teams should be regularly trained to be familiar with the latest regulations.
- Advice: Working with specialized agencies or lawyers can help minimize legal risks.

Ultimately, these changes are not only a challenge, but also an opportunity. Companies that adapt at an early stage can position themselves as pioneers and strengthen the trust of their customers in the long term.

As a digital agency, we are happy to help you implement these changes. From GDPR-compliant data usage to barrier-free website design - we are at your side with our expertise. Let's shape the future of online business together!