Expect browsing to get a whole lot more tiresome as websites will have to explain each and every cookie, thanks to changes to the EU online privacy law that came into force today.
The amendments to the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) require UK websites to gain consent from Web users before they download the tracking files. Cookies help organise and store browsing information, so you don't have to login every time you visit CNET UK, for example.
As a result, you can expect to see endless pop-ups explaining why your information is being stored and tutoring you on the concept of behavioural advertising. It does mean you have more control over your data, however, which will become increasingly important as Web services develop.
The new laws are officially in place, though communications minister Ed Vaizey said the UK will take its time implementing measures to deal with the change. "We recognise that some website users have real concerns around online privacy, but also recognise that cookies play a key role in the smooth running of the Internet," Vaizey said in an open letter to UK businesses.
Information commissioner Christopher Graham said companies will be given up to 12 months to "get their house in order" before the new cookie law is enforced.
Vaizey explained that the government's approach to implementing the updated EU Privacy and Electronic Communications Directive was "light touch" and "business friendly". Businesses that break the rules can face a fine of up to £500,000 once the regulations are phased in. Not so friendly.
The cookie monster won't bite for a year, but do you reckon it will ruin your browsing experience? Or do you welcome the extra control? Let us know your thoughts.
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Comments 10
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Anonymous 26 May, 2011 11:06
Depending on how annoying and repetitive the warnings are I would like a browser feature that would prevent them. Like the 'Do Not Track' feature I would want a 'Do Not Annoy' feature. Otherwise this is a good thing for these technologically aware internet users.
anonymous 26 May, 2011 11:11
i dont really see a need, all browsers should just come with a default piece of software that deletes all cookies when you close the window. like chrome. then there doesn't have to be restrictions because they are automatically deleted
Anonymous 26 May, 2011 12:03
That pretty much defeats the point of a cookie though....
Anonymous 26 May, 2011 12:16
Not all cookies are bad. Cookies that are served by the site you are using to make things like being logged in easier are fine. Cookies served by advertisers are evil.
Every time I go to the Guardian's website I get served an ad from a retailer that I have visited online recently, promoting something I have already bought. It feels a little sinister. I see the point in Cnet displaying a laptops advert while I am looking at laptops, or have just been looking at laptops and am no longer but still on Cnet, but I really don't want those laptop ads following me across the web. I am happy with ads that show me adverts that are contextual to the website I am on, but not to my behaviour generally.
anonymous 26 May, 2011 17:49
how about websites from other countries? Might American, or German etc. websites end up taking the same measures?
adamm255 26 May, 2011 22:21
Will I have to declare and ask the user for approval of a cookie that is used and destroyed within a few seconds? As usual, the EU has brought in a short sighted way of regulating the internet. Like Windows Browser choice. No one cared about that.
I need some kind of specification that defines what data I can and cant store in a cookie. After all, a cookie is just a store of a piece of data.
Anonymous 27 May, 2011 00:09
This is um... insane. I mean this is literally just insane.
This means as soon as a user logs into a site, they basically are going to be asked "Are you SURE you want to log-in?" Some sites wont even work without some cookies, you'll basically be asked "Thanks for visiting our site, are you absolutely certain you want to do that?".
Next you'll press the power button on your PC only to be asked if you're sure that you want to turn it on.
As long as we have IP addresses, you're being tracked everywhere you go. This is the most ridiculous 'law' I've ever been affected by.
Robadob 27 May, 2011 11:28
I'm not particularly bothered by adverts tracking where i've browsed other online stores, sure aslong as they aren't advertising to you about things you may not want others to see it could be worth having a clear advertising cookies only (or you could just use private browsing mode).
But this just seems like its going to just end up being hassle for the users and businesses having to use it, just to suit a few people who managed to convince the eu that these automatic targeted adverts are an invasion of privacy when they are automatic and no human contact is involved, if i'm browsing for converse and then i get targeted adverts showing me where i can get them cheaper/more range of colours i have no reason to complain.
Is there any information on how this will affect people using php sessions etc on personal blogs?
Also i'm assuming alot of sites will turn to tracking users server side off useragent details and ip range if this becomes hassle for the business/user, sure it's not as secure but it could be less hassle for the cost.
anonymous 2 October, 2011 12:00
We have already released a jQuery plugin to resolve this issue for Google Analytics
http://cookies.dev.wolf-software.com
We have put together a small site for people to be able to see how long they have left before the new law will start to be enforced.
http://countdown.wolf-software.com
We are also working on a complete cookie solution that will gain person for any type of cookie, we hope to have this available and verified by the ICO within a couple of weeks.
anonymous 17 December, 2011 14:49
At Wolf Software we have created a totally compliant plugin for ALL cookies, which will work with javascript and NON javascript web enabled devices, including all mobile devices and smart TV etc.
A demo is available at:
http://jpecr.dev.wolf-software.com
This will be on general release from Monday 19th Dec.