The 'cookie directive' has been in force since 2011, giving you those popups when you land on a new website. But are they up to the GDPR standards?
Cookies, tiny pieces of code, collect information from the user's browser and send that information to the brand or agency.
They have been a constant presence on websites for almost a decade. They are so ubiquitous that you probably don't notice them. But they do still give brands and their agencies important information.
There are two answers to this question.
First, the 'cookie directive' as-is is part of the Privacy in Electronic Communication Directive (commonly known as PECR). This law is set to be replaced by a new law, the e-privacy regulation, in 2019.
So on the one hand, no - the GDPR has no direct influence on the Cookie Directive.
But, the GDPR will change how businesses convey information to customers.
At the moment consumers have to be notified. That's it.
In the future, the GDPR requires notifications to be 'clear and intelligible' which means that it has to be clear what happens when you 'agree'.
Post-GDPR the notifications will need to explain in more detail exactly what the cookie does, what information it collects. And most importantly of all - why.
Make sure you keep your copywriter sweet.
The GDPR isn't just your responsibility, it's the responsibility of everyone in your company. To meet the Accountability requirements of the GDPR the ICO expects companies to demonstrate awareness at every level of their organisation. See how the we can help you meet these requirement with the IDM Professional Certificate in GDPR.
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