Website cookies rules continue to catch out many organisations, so we feel compelled to flag this again.
The French regulator issued eyewatering fines of 135 million euros against Google and Amazon and is clamping down on websites that do not comply. Regulators in Belgium, Germany and Italy are also showing a proactive approach to website cookies compliance.
The ICO stresses that cookie banner wording such as “By continuing to use our website you consent to our use of cookies” would NOT comply, even if it includes an “OK” or “Accept” button. Valid consent must be obtained before any non-essential cookies are set.
The ICO has thorough guidance on cookies that helps spell out how to comply with cookie rules. Not only for your own website, but also your responsibilities in relation to other sites or platforms you site links to, such as social media or video platforms.
Tips: Website cookies compliance
- Check that your website cookie banner is compliant, e.g. Does it give equal emphasis for users to Accept or Reject cookies? Is your cookies management tool configured to stop cookies being set before valid consent is obtained?
- Ask about our website cookies mini service package, for guidance on the rules, policy templates and info to share with your web developer to help you become compliant.
- Contact our helpline for help tackling website cookies.
