Website owners and developers are under increasing pressure to design with user privacy and safety in mind. A new EU originated law came into effect on the 26th May 2012 that may have a far reaching impact on the future development of b2b websites.
The EU Cookie Directive
Website owners need to make significant changes to their sites that may fundamentally change the whole web browsing and shopping experience for everybody. Specifically, there is one section of that directive — Article 5(3) — that applies to the use of data storage by websites. And for the most part, that boils down to cookies.
So, what is a cookie?
A ‘cookie’ is simply a way for a website to remember things that a browser has done, whether it is clicking particular buttons, reading certain pages previously or logging into websites. The EU Cookie Directive is now asking that for any site where a cookie is not crucial to the functionality of a site, such as e-commerce sites where a visitor logs in and browses different pages, then the website must ask the visitor’s permission to use cookies during their session.
The law states: “Member States shall ensure that the storing of information or the gaining of access to information already stored, in the terminal equipment of a subscriber or user is only allowed on condition that the subscriber or user concerned has given his or her consent, having been provided with clear and comprehensive information…about the purposes of the processing.”
It is also encouraging companies to be more open about what cookies are, and what their purpose is. In order to affect these changes, the Information Commissioner’s Office has given British companies a “grace period” of a year, which expired on the 26th May 2012. The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) is the body responsible for enforcing the UK law, with powers to fine website owners up to £500,000 for serious breaches in the law.
Where BDB can help
BDB has carried out extensive research in how to tackle EU cookie legislation. The main focus has always been to make sure that our approach is not only user-friendly, but also not intrusive on the overall user experience. BDB has confirmed its approach into specific recommendations which include:
- A dedicated cookies policy page on the site. This will explain what cookies are and provide a link to http://www.aboutcookies.org/ for further information. It will also list all the cookies that are used on the site and their purpose.
- A notification bar that advises users that the site uses cookies. This will include a link to the above cookies page and also notifies the user by using the site, you are agreeing to use the cookies. The notification bar will only appear on the very first visit to the site, but will become active again if the user deletes the cookies or accesses the site via an alternative device.
The deadline may have passed on the 26th May 2012, but we’re continuing to work with our clients to find the right solutions for their business. Contact us to see how we can help you.
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