Forum of Private Business urges small businesses to beware new EU ‘cookies’ law
Small businesses are being warned that their websites could fall foul of new EU rules governing the use of ‘cookies’ unless urgent alterations are made.
Currently, many websites use cookies to allow users to navigate their pages efficiently, performing tasks such as remembering log-in details, browsing history and ordering information. Analytics software which monitors website usage, along with third party advertising such as Google's AdSense, also generally functions using cookies.
Cookies work by installing a small piece of code on to a site user’s computer and this code allows the site to remember and recognise visitors. However, recent updates to the EU’s Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations mean that it is now technically illegal for UK websites to do this without first seeking the user’s consent.
Companies which are found to have fallen foul of the new law face a fine of up to £500,000. The body tasked with policing the regulations, the Information Commissioners' Office (ICO), has said that if it receives a complaint about a website using cookies without first gaining consent, is will give the site’s owner “up to 12 months” to make alterations before prosecuting. However, the FPB believes companies should err on the side of caution and make any necessary changes to their websites as soon as possible in order to avoid potential problems.
The ICO has put online its own guidance on the issue at http://eu.vocuspr.com/Url.aspx?522936x13878920x-2130176.