You may have recently noticed a banner tick box appearing on the various websites you visit, and are wondering why, this is due to a new EU privacy law which came into force in May.
The new regulation, known as the EU Cookie Law, has been enforced across all EU member states and is aimed at improving website users’ privacy. The new legal requirements state that websites must clearly explain their usage of website cookies to their users, and that websites need to obtain user consent before using cookies.
What is a cookie?
A website ‘cookie’ is a tiny text file which a website creates on a user’s PC, desktop or smartphone through their web browser. Cookies are essential for the operation of websites, and are used by nearly all websites on the internet. Some of the typical website functions where cookies are required include:
- recalling your personal preferences within the website
- tracking the items you have placed within an online shopping basket
- proving the ability to stay logged in
- to allow the website operators to monitor and improve the performance of the website.
However the EU concern is that cookies can also be exploited by third party advertisers, which can use the information held within some cookies to direct targeted web advertisements to users without any consent and knowledge of the website user. To protect EU citizens against this, the new law requires all websites to clearly explain their specific cookies usage to their users, obtain user permission to use cookies, and explain how users can opt out from using cookies on the website.
Enforcement
The Information Commission’s Office (ICO), the agency responsible for enforcing the law in the UK, has the power to publicly fine UK companies up to £500,000 for breaching privacy laws.
The ICO has stated user consent for websites to use cookies can be implied at this point. This means rather than asking for permission to use cookies prior to deploying a cookie, websites can obtain implied user consent by displaying a clear link to their cookie statement. This can manifest as a cookie consent tick banner or pop-up box, clear links within the website header or footer, or as a news item on the website.
Compliance
To comply with the new laws Capita’s software services have provide a privacy statement explaining:
- the collection of personal information
- our website cookies usage
- how to screen or disable the use of cookies
Read Capita’s software services privacy statement.
Further reading
For further information about cookies, including how to disable cookies in your web browser visit: