For Subscribers

Site Standard Launching a content-driven site? Protect yourself against lawsuits with these 4 must-have features.

By Cliff Ennico

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Question: I'm setting up a website where people will be able to post videos and other content for an annual membership fee. What should I do to protect myself against lawsuits?

Answer: If you're setting up a website with content that either you or someone else has created, there are four legal features you must have.

1. Disclaimers: If you allow others to create content for your website, disclaim all responsibility for copyright infringement, libel, slander, invasion of privacy and other legal issues. Don't bury these in the fine print; make sure your disclaimer is conspicuous to anyone viewing the content.

2. User Agreement: Sometimes called "Terms and Conditions," this document explains your visitors' rights and responsibilities while visiting your website. Clearly state that you have the right to remove content from the website for any reason whatsoever. You should require anyone posting content on your website to view a copy of your user agreement and click on an "I Agree" button before they are allowed to post.

3. Privacy Policy: This explains the circumstances under which you either will or won't share your visitors' confidential information with third parties. It can be either opt-in ("we won't give your information out without your permission") or opt-out ("we will give your information to anyone who asks unless you tell us not to").

4. Copyright and Permissions Policy: This document claims copyright protection for all website content and explains when you will--and won't--allow others to use the content without your permission.

A good attorney can prepare these documents for you for under $500. Do not use another website's user agreement or privacy policy without showing it to an attorney first; once you put them up on your website, you are legally bound by them, so they better be right.

Cliff Ennico is a syndicated columnist and author of several books on small business, most recently Small Business Survival Guide. This column is no substitute for legal, tax or financial advice, which can be furnished only by a qualified professional licensed in your state.

Cliff Ennico is a syndicated columnist and author of several books on small business, including Small Business Survival Guide and The eBay Business Answer Book. This column is no substitute for legal, tax or financial advice, which can be furnished only by a qualified professional licensed in your state.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Growing a Business

This One Leadership Move Will Transform Your Team's Loyalty and Performance

Most leaders focus on technical skills, but this lesser-known trait quietly shapes team loyalty, engagement and long-term performance.

Science & Technology

We Spent a Decade Building Virtual Worlds — What We Discovered Could Reshape the Future of Business

What we learned about scale, AI and ownership when we tried to connect thousands of people in real time.

Science & Technology

The Hidden Dangers of Using Generative AI in Your Business

Rushing to adopt generative AI can derail your business. Here's what leaders need to know.

Side Hustle

7 Ways Ecommerce Is Helping People Rebuild Their Lives

Ecommerce is more than just a business model. For many, it's about finding stability, freedom and a way to feel in control.