The
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has published a report summarising the
concerns reported to it by members of the public about UK website providers'
use of cookies. Between May and November 2012, the ICO received 550 reports via
its cookie reporting tool. Most of the concerns were raised by individuals that
were unhappy with the implied consent mechanisms authorised by the ICO or who
felt that they have not been given enough information about how to decline
cookies or manage them later.
In
the report, the ICO reiterates its intention to take a practical and
proportionate approach to enforcing the rules on cookies. However, if an
organisation refuses to take steps to comply, or has been involved in a
particularly privacy-intrusive use of cookies without telling individuals or
obtaining consent, the ICO will consider using its formal regulatory powers,
including the right to issue monetary penalty notices.
This
business briefing is based on guidance issued by the Information
Commissioner's Office (ICO).
