AI-Built Websites: Risks Law Firms Should Know

AI-Built Websites: Risks Law Firms Should Be Aware Of

AI website builders are making it easier for people to create websites without needing traditional web design or development skills. Using artificial intelligence, these platforms can generate good-looking, functional websites in a fraction of the time it might traditionally take to design and build one. For businesses looking to reduce costs or get online quickly, that can be very appealing.

However, there’s an important distinction between a website that looks professional and one that has been properly built, secured and configured.

For law practices, where websites can collect sensitive personal information and act as a gateway for prospective clients, the risks deserve particular attention.

Choosing a designer who relies heavily on AI tools without the right technical knowledge, security checks or understanding of the legal sector could leave a firm exposed.

AI website builders can generate layouts, write code, connect databases with APIs and create website functionality based on written instructions. This makes website development more accessible, but it doesn’t mean the resulting website is automatically secure or reliable.

AI-generated code can contain vulnerabilities, make incorrect assumptions or introduce insecure configurations. A website may work perfectly during a demonstration but still have weaknesses that only become apparent when it is tested properly or comes under attack.

The issue is not necessarily the AI platform itself but how the technology is used, what permissions it is given and whether a suitably qualified person checks the finished product.

A designer who understands website development and security should be able to identify problems that an AI tool may overlook. Simply accepting the code or configuration generated by the platform is not a substitute for proper testing.

AI platforms have safeguards designed to protect users, their projects and the information they provide. However, no platform can guarantee that every security measure will work as intended at all times. This is particularly important with newer technologies, where vulnerabilities may not become apparent until platforms are used in different ways or exposed to new types of attacks.

For instance, in April 2026, Lovable disclosed a security issue involving public projects. A backend regression had re-enabled access to project chat histories and source code for other authenticated users who had a link to the project. The issue meant that, between February and April 2026, information within public projects could potentially be accessed by other Lovable users. Private projects and Lovable Cloud were not affected.

Although this was not a case of the AI independently deciding to bypass its safeguards, it was a failure in the platform’s access controls.

Lovable subsequently fixed the issue and issued a statement. Nevertheless, incidents like this demonstrate that security settings and protections can fail, even on established platforms.

Read the full statement

There is also a wider concern around AI tools that can interact with external services, access files or use credentials. Researchers have demonstrated how malicious instructions hidden in seemingly ordinary content can manipulate some AI agents into taking actions they were not intended to take. Depending on the permissions granted, this could include exposing sensitive information or credentials.

For a regulated law firm, the implications could be serious if a website development platform or connected service has access to confidential information, API keys, databases or other business systems.

One of the most important questions to ask when commissioning an AI-built website is who actually owns and controls the technology behind it.

Some designers build websites using their own accounts, subscriptions and integrations. They may connect hosting, databases, analytics, email services and other applications using credentials under their control.

This can create problems if the relationship ends. Does the law firm have full access to its website and source code? Can it move the website to another developer or hosting provider? Who controls the domain, database and connected services? Can the firm change passwords and revoke access without relying on the original designer?

API keys and other credentials also need to be handled properly. These should be stored securely and should never be left exposed in publicly accessible website code.

Ideally, the law firm should retain ownership and administrative control of its domain, hosting, website files and key third-party accounts. The developer should receive only the access needed to complete the work.

AI website builders have also made it easier for freelance designers and development agencies around the world to offer website design services to UK businesses.

There is nothing inherently wrong with working with an overseas provider. Many offer excellent technical expertise at a lower price point. However, law firms should understand that a provider based outside England and Wales may not be subject to the same professional regulation or oversight as a UK-based provider.

This can make it more difficult to establish accountability if something goes wrong, particularly where contracts, disputes, insurance and remedies involve another jurisdiction.

There are also data protection considerations. If an overseas designer or their chosen platform has access to personal information collected through a law firm’s website, the firm needs to understand where that information is stored, who can access it and whether any international data transfers take place.

UK data protection requirements do not simply disappear because a supplier is based overseas. Law firms must consider their obligations under UK GDPR, including appropriate processor arrangements and safeguards for restricted international transfers where required.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority also makes clear that outsourcing does not remove a firm’s responsibility to protect confidential client information. This is particularly important where third parties may have access to information that clients would reasonably expect to remain confidential.

SRA's guidance Law Society's guidance ICO's guide to international transfers

Law Firm websites typically collect enquiry details, may connect to a CRM and process payments, send information to third-party services and provide access to important business systems.

If these elements are not configured correctly, the consequences could include:

• Data breaches, where personal or confidential information submitted through website forms could be exposed or accessed by unauthorised individuals,
• Compromised accounts as a result of poorly managed passwords, API keys or integrations and provide a route into other business systems,
• Website disruption resulting in a security incident, platform failure or loss of access affecting new enquiries,
• Regulatory and legal consequences due to mishandling personal or confidential information, creating data protection and professional conduct issues, and
• Reputational damage with clients may losing confidence in a firm if their information is not handled securely.

There are also practical considerations around website maintenance, updates, accessibility, search engine performance and the ability to make changes in the future. A website that has been generated quickly may become difficult or expensive to maintain if it has not been built with these things in mind.

Questions to ask before commissioning an AI-built website

Using AI as part of website development is not necessarily a problem. In fact, when used responsibly by someone with the right expertise, it can be a useful way to improve efficiency and reduce development time resulting in smaller cost for their clients.

The important thing is to understand how the designer uses the technology and what checks are carried out before the website goes live.

Before appointing a provider, law firms should ask:

• Which AI website-building platforms and other third-party services will be used?
• Who will own the website, domain and hosting accounts?
• Will the firm have full administrative access to its website and connected services?
• Will API keys and other credentials be shared with any third parties?
• Where will website data be stored, and who will have access to it?
• Will any personal information be processed outside the UK?
• Who is responsible for updates, ongoing maintenance and security issues?
• What happens if the firm decides to change designers or hosting providers?
• Does the provider have appropriate contracts and insurance in place?

A reputable provider should be able to explain these arrangements clearly rather than simply reassuring you that the AI platform takes care of everything.

AI can help build a website, but it shouldn’t replace expertise

AI is changing website development, just as it’s changing the legal landscape.

However, a low-cost website that looks impressive is not necessarily a good investment if the underlying technology has not been properly secured or the firm has little control over it.

For law firms, the decision to use an AI website designer should not simply come down to how quickly a website can be built or how much it costs. Cutting corners now can create problems further down the line, so firms should also consider security, ownership, data protection, ongoing support and the experience of the person responsible for building and maintaining the site.

The main question isn’t whether your website has been built using AI. It’s whether the person using it has the technical expertise to do so responsibly, protect your data and safeguard your firm’s reputation.

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