UK cookie law goes into effect

The UK cookie law has come into force on May 26. Many online retailers believe that this legislation will impact their businesses in a negative way.

The law requires all websites to obtain permission from users before they can use cookies which is a data file that takes login details, email addresses and previous activity on the site, and stores that file. According to International Business Times, websites will also have to give consumers details about cookies they use, which will enable them to make a decision on whether they will consent to the use of a site's cookies. According BBC, a poll from Truste, a privacy solutions provider, suggested that 84% of internet consumers who are aged 16-64 are aware of internet cookies but only 24% actually knew about the new guidelines. According to the Register, the Information Commissioner's Office will now be enforcing the law. The ICO will fine web operators who violate the rules. Site operators could be fined up to £500,000 if they fail to comply with the new rules. However, the ICO did signal that they will take a soft approach to enforcing the rule and that few companies will be given such a huge fine for not complying with the new law.