Today European privacy laws come into force in the UK, with the intention of giving internet users more control over the data websites gather about them. New rules require websites to obtain consent when placing 'cookies' on your computer, mobile or other device. Cookies are used all over the web for a variety of reasons - from enabling basic functionality to help the web remember your preferences, to creating detailed profiles of your browsing activity.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) published guidance on changes to the cookies rules earlier this month to clarify how websites should obtain user consent for cookies. A further ICO news release yesterday confirmed that the ICO would give website owners up to 12 months to comply with the new cookies law before enforcement begins. This is because currently there is no easy technical way to enable individual cookie consent.
The Government recognises that the technical solutions are not yet there, and is working with industry to agree the easiest (and least intrusive) way to enable websites to obtain users' consent to individual cookies. There is a debate about what consent means, but the crucial point is that users should be able to give informed consent, in other words, websites need to be very clear about what cookies they are using and why, and ensure that users have a choice.
How will HMWT comply with the law change?
HMWT is reviewing the ICO Guidance and starting to develop a plan to achieve compliance for our website. This is going to involve reviewing the different types of cookies in use and deciding on the best method of obtaining consent from users in each case, and making technical changes where appropriate.
How does HMWT use cookies?
HMWT is committed to protecting you and your family's personal information when you're using our website, and to providing users with a clear understanding of how and why we use cookies.
We use a variety of cookies as they perform different functions, from remembering that you are logged in during visits to what your screen name is. They also help us to identify which of our pages are the most popular and what type of journey a visitor has through our site.
Cookies help us arrange the content and layout of our site and recognise those computers that have been to our site before therefore play an important role in helping us to enhance the usability and performance of our site.
Can I opt out of cookies? Yes. There are a number of options available. You can set your browser either to reject all cookies, to only allow “trusted” sites to set them, or to accept only those cookies from those websites which you are currently on. However, please note – if you do delete all your cookies, some features of our website, such as remembering your login details, will not function as a result.
We like the website www.aboutcookies.org which is run by the law firm Pinsent Masons. Not only does it have the recipe for ‘the world’s finest cookies’, it also gives you detailed step by step guidance on how to control and delete cookies depending on your browser type. You can then adjust your browser settings to your preferred level of protection.
Danielle Porteous
Marketing and Fundraising Manager
26 May 2011
