UK Cookie Consent Banners Draw Complaints 108
nk497 writes "Earlier this year, the UK's data watchdog the ICO started enforcing an EU rule that means websites must ask visitors before dropping cookies onto their computers. However, it was willing to accept 'implied consent' — telling visitors that cookies are used on the site, and assuming they were fine with that if they keep using the site. That led to banners popping up on every major website, including the ICO's site, warning users about cookies. Now, the ICO has revealed that many of the cookie-related complaints it's received in the past six months are actually about those banners — and the law itself. The ICO said people 'are unhappy with implied consent mechanisms, especially where cookies are placed immediately on entry to the site,' adding 'a significant number of people also raised concerns about the new rules themselves and the effect of usability of websites.'"
Re:Irony (Score:2, Informative)
Use an adblocker to block the <div> they're related to. Job done!
Re:Step 1... (Score:4, Informative)
By purposfully mis-interpreting the law, both in action as in "oh whoo me" bullsh*t messages going out to Joe public.
For instance: websites do not need to ask for permission for cookies needed for the programs on the site itself needed to run it -- they are just not allowed to keep any identifiable info after the visitor leaves.
As for a ruling most websites most often conveniently forget ? That they must provide information what they will do with the personal identifiable data once you accept that cookie.
Oh yeah, and the minor point that its not actually about that cookie, but instead of them not being allowed to follow you (no matter the method, including stuf like 1x1 images on the webpage) as long as you do not agree to it.
Yes, many of them they have interpreted the law either as not to effect them (for whatever reason), as a kind of EULA thing (You do not need to know what you are agreeing to, just click "OK" and all will be fine), or have created a popup hell for the user.
Oh, by the way: Did you know that cookies without personal identifiable data in them are already exempt from that cookie law ? Meaning that something like a "FollowMe=No" cookie may be placed without even needing to ask the visitor ? I'm sure they do not (want to) know that either.
Captcha: detach
How fitting.