Many UK hosted websites will be affected by the European Union’s e-Privacy Directive, particularly Article 5 (3) which changes the way that web visitors are informed and consent to data stored and accessed in their computers, smartphones or other devices connected to the Internet. This particularly relates to cookies, text files that “trade” information between the user’s browser and the site visited, relating to authentication, identification, user preferences, shopping cart contents and other facilities supported through data storage.
The new law, which comes into full effect in the UK in May 2012(*), states that website owners cannot store or access information from the terminal of a user without their active consent being given. comprehensive information also has to be provided to the site visitor about the purposes of storing and accessing their data before they decide whether or not enter the site.
(*) ICO - Changes to the rules on using cookies and similar technologies for storing information (Version 1, 09/05/11)
BBI is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
BBI recommends your business should take the following steps:
- A full audit of cookies on your website which BBI will undertake for £199 with 50% off for the first 100 applicants for the service – down to £99.
- Updating information for website visitors in compliance with the new rules – BBI can recommend ways this can be achieved with minimum disruption to the presentation and accessibility of your site.
- Revising the content of your company’s privacy policy to meet the new rules. We do not advise on legal aspects, but are happy to work with your company’s legal representatives or to recommend our own legal advisors.
Please fill in the contact form below to set things in motion: