EU regulation: British businesses will soon be required to obtain consent from web users before installing cookies
EU regulations that require online businesses to request users’ consent before running cookies have been adopted by the UK government.
The new regulations will become enforceable from May 25th. The Government has pledged not to ‘gold-plate’ the regulations by adding additional measures, giving reassurance to British businesses that they will still be able to compete with European firms.
"The changes to the
EU Electronic Communications Framework bring our regulatory framework up to date. They will help ensure there is a level playing field across Europe," said communications minister Ed Vaizey.
The Government will work with browser manufacturers to encourage the development of functionality that allows the new regulations to be adopted more smoothly.
However, the move has been met with opposition by some parties who feel the technology should be in place before the new regulations are introduced.
James Mullock, head of privacy and data protection practice at law firm
Osborne Clarke, says that pressure will now build on the technology industry to develop a solution for mass adoption in time for the deadline.