Did you know that the law which governs how you use cookies and similar technologies on your website changed on 26 May 2011?
No longer can you simply tell visitors to your site that you use cookies and how they can opt out if they object; now you have to actively ask their permission before using them.
Why the change? Well, the European Directive on which the Regulations are based has been revised and as usual, this means UK law has to change to implement that changed Directive.
Failure to comply with the new laws will mean heavy fines for the website owner. However, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which is overseeing the change, has announced that we have one year to make sure all our websites comply before fines are imposed.
This is obviously a long term issue and one we will return to over the next 12 months, offering advice and help to make sure you remain within the law. In the meantime it is worth starting by reading the official ICO document. (http://www.ico.gov.uk/~/media/documents/library/Privacy_and_electronic/Practical_application/advice_on_the_new_cookies_regulations.ashx)
Then talk to your website designer / webmaster / hosting company about how the changes affect both you and them. A reputable web company will always help you to stay within the law. If you are told it is down to you to sort it out then find yourself a new supplier urgently. (Our number is at the top of the page!)
Posted Date: 09th Jun 2011