A website isn't one asset, it's a bundle of separate ones: a domain, a hosting account, a CMS, source code, design files, copy, photography, third-party components, and a handful of Google and marketing accounts. Ownership, licensing, access and portability can differ for each one. The real test isn't "do I own my website," it's whether another competent provider could take over tomorrow.
Interactive Tool
Website Ownership Audit
Click each item to mark it Business-controlled, Provider-dependent, or Unknown. Nothing here is saved or sent anywhere.
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Business-controlled
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Provider-dependent
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Not yet marked
Domain & DNS
Hosting & platform
Website / CMS
Code & design
Content & media
Google & marketing accounts
Integrations & commerce
If your provider disappeared tomorrow, could another competent provider take over? That single question exposes most ownership problems faster than a legal review.
Ownership, access, licence and control aren't the same thing
Under Canada's Copyright Act, the author of a work is generally the first owner of copyright, and an assignment of that copyright must be in writing and signed to be valid. Paying an invoice does not, on its own, transfer every right in every design, photo or line of code used on your site. The written agreement should say plainly what's assigned to you, what remains licensed, and what's third-party or open-source and simply can't be transferred at all.
Google's own policies reflect a similar principle for accounts: Google requires that end customers retain ownership or co-ownership of their Business Profile, and a verified Search Console owner holds the highest level of permissions. Apply the same standard across every account tied to your site, domain, hosting, analytics, CRM, and payment processing included.
This is general information, not legal advice. Copyright and contract questions specific to your situation deserve a lawyer's review.
Website Handover Checklist
Domain ownership deserves its own deeper look.
The Small Business Domain Guide
Sources
Grouped by organization. Prioritize these over general commentary when the facts change.
Google Search Central
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
Government of Ontario
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
Canadian copyright
Platform documentation
Google account & product help
Credibility research
Need help taking control of an existing website?
Vortio can audit what you actually have access to and help you regain control before anything is at risk.
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