One Year to Implement Cookie Law

Just a day before the EU’s Privacy and Communications Directive comes into force (26th May 2011), the Information Commissioner’s Office has given UK websites a one year period of grace to implement suitable changes.

However, any firms not seen to be proactive during this time will be looked on in “dim light” twelve months down the line. Communications minister, Ed Vaizey told the BBC,

"We recognise that some website users have real concerns around online privacy but also recognise that cookies play a key role in the smooth running of the internet.

"But it will take some time for workable technical solutions to be developed, evaluated and rolled out so we have decided that a phased in approach is right.” This is why a 12 month period has been outlined whilst a “business-friendly” solution is sought.

Endless Pop-Ups Could Ruin Browser Experience

The new rules proposed in the EU’s Privacy and Communications Directive for the use of cookies have been described as both challenging and even unrealistic in some quarters. It is finding this happy medium that has led to the 12 month period of grace and Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham to state:

"It would obviously ruin some users' browsing experience if they needed to negotiate endless pop-ups - and I am not saying that businesses have to go down that road."

"Equally I have to remember that this law has been brought in to give consumers more choice about what companies know about them."

Despite the extended period, website owners still await clear direction on the matter.