u/starky241

>

Hello everyone!

I am not selling anything; I’m just here for advice because I’m not sure how to approach a GDPR issue regarding my future business idea.

I am based in the EU, and I’ve recently built an automation that scrapes public information from public sources about small businesses that do not have a website.

My automation reads the data, uses AI to create a website, and deploys a demo version to static web hosting. I’m planning to use this pre-made website as a hook to gain customers. As a new business, we are trying to give people something tangible they can see with their own eyes to build trust.

We plan on sending cold emails and SMS messages telling them we noticed they don't have a website, so we built one for them, and it will cost 200 euros. If no answer is received or they don’t want the website, the demo will be deleted within a maximum of 14 days due to a lack of response, or immediately upon their request.

However, I have some concerns regarding GDPR:

• Is it illegal to make a demo website without them asking (as our hook), even if we tell them it will be deleted and is only being used for marketing purposes using public information?
• Is a cold SMS approach illegal in the EU if it is B2B (perhaps framed as a collaboration note)?
• Are cold emails illegal in the EU?

Hearing from people who have navigated this before would be incredibly helpful.

Thank you in advance! Any insight or knowledge you can share would be much appreciated. :)

Hello everyone!

I am not selling anything; I’m just here for advice because I’m not sure how to approach a GDPR issue regarding my future business idea.

I am based in the EU, and I’ve recently built an automation that scrapes public information from public sources about small businesses that do not have a website.

My automation reads the data, uses AI to create a website, and deploys a demo version to static web hosting. I’m planning to use this pre-made website as a hook to gain customers. As a new business, we are trying to give people something tangible they can see with their own eyes to build trust.

We plan on sending cold emails and SMS messages telling them we noticed they don't have a website, so we built one for them, and it will cost 200 euros. If no answer is received or they don’t want the website, the demo will be deleted within a maximum of 14 days due to a lack of response, or immediately upon their request.

However, I have some concerns regarding GDPR:

• Is it illegal to make a demo website without them asking (as our hook), even if we tell them it will be deleted and is only being used for marketing purposes using public information?
• Is a cold SMS approach illegal in the EU if it is B2B (perhaps framed as a collaboration note)?
• Are cold emails illegal in the EU?

Hearing from people who have navigated this before would be incredibly helpful.

Thank you in advance! Any insight or knowledge you can share would be much appreciated. :)