Just what is a cookie?
A cookie is simply a text file stored on your computer that contains information that allows the website to keep track of you for a given reason
Typically cookies are used to record website personalisation i.e. remembering a chosen location. The website would then be able to enhance your user experience whilst visiting, by remembering this decision. Other uses of cookies include e-commerce, or login/authentication systems where cookies may store information to identify your shopping basket for example.
Cookies has received bad press, namely because of certian ad targetting networks. The reality is that a website cookie is a useful, and necessary web technology.
How can I prevent you from storing cookies?
Your web browser will provide you with privacy controls that allow you to modify which websites can and can’t store cookies on your computer. The ICO law takes the viewpoint that the average user doesn’t know they can do this and seeks to penalise the web developers as a result (Instead of educating web users – which should be the priority).
What does Design that fits store?
On our website we use google analytics to track metrics about our website visitors and to help enhance your user experience by driving you to the most relevent parts of our website. The reality is that pretty much every website you visit will store cookies, the vast majority will be for visitor analytical purposes.
What does the law say?
The law says:
- Tell people that the cookies are there
- Explain what the cookies are doing
- Obtain visitors’ consent to store a cookie on their device
Ironically, in order to know that the user has refused to give their consent to storing cookies you would have to store this information some how, a cookie would be a great way to do this! – Doh!
We are still investigating acceptable solutions for cookiegate, but will happily help you get your website legal. Give us a call, or drop us an email!
