How to Comply with the new EU Cookie Directive
On May 26th 2012 the UK laws on website cookies changed. This law affects all website owners, and if no action is taken to comply with the law then you could be looking at a hefty fine of up to £500,000!
What is the new law?
The new law applies to how your website uses cookies or similar technologies for storing information on a user’s equipment; this could be their computer, mobile device or any other device used to access the internet.
How do I comply with this law?
To comply with the new law you can either ask us to help or take the following steps.
- Run a cookie audit on your website to find out what cookies are being sent and what they do.
- Add a link to your site with your privacy policy and cookie policy.
- Use a consent notification for all new visitors.
The latest guidance (May 2012) sets out the changes to the cookies law and explains the steps you need to take to ensure you comply. The updated guidance provides additional information around the issue of implied consent:
- Implied consent is a valid form of consent and can be used in the context of compliance with the revised rules on cookies.
- If you are relying on implied consent you need to be satisfied that your users understand that their actions will result in cookies being set. Without this understanding you do not have their informed consent.
- You should not rely on the fact that users might have read a privacy policy that is perhaps hard to find or difficult to understand.
- In some circumstances, for example where you are collecting sensitive personal data such as health information, you might feel that explicit consent is more appropriate.
Still need help?
For more information on the EU Cookie Directive please visit http://www.ico.gov.uk/ or watch the video below: