On 26 May 2012 a new law was passed governing use of cookies on websites.
In summary, the website owner must gain permission from the visitor to their website if their website uses cookies. In order to help explain the new law, we have created this video which explains the new law in just 60 seconds:
Here is a transcript of the audio breaken down into bullet points to direct you to the salient points of the law:
On 26 May 2012 a new cookie law came into force in the UK.
Over 90% of websites in the UK use cookies
A large proportion of those websites are now breaking the law.
Cookies are small text files stored on your computer which allow websites to retrieve information about your previous visits.
The law states that the website owner must have the user's permission to store cookies.
Permission can be implied, but this is not a reason to do nothing.
Only "Strictly necessary" cookies are exempt. For example, cookies must be used when adding items to a shopping cart.
So what must you do?
If your website uses cookies you must explain what cookies you use and what information they store.
You must also allow the user to opt out of any cookes that are not "strictly necessary".
It is therefore wise to display a prominent message the first time somebody visits your website to gain their consent.
Doing nothing is not an option unless your site does not use cookies.
If you would like to know about how your website uses cookies and what can be done, then please contact us today to see how we can help you.
If you would like to know more about the specifics of the law then please visit the ICO website here.
