New net rules set to make "cookies" crumble.

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New net rules set to make "cookies" crumble.

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From 25 May, European laws dictate that "explicit consent" must be gathered from web users who are being tracked via text files called "cookies".

The changes are demanded by the European e-Privacy directive which comes into force in the UK in late May.

The section of the directive dealing with cookies was drawn up in an attempt to protect privacy and, in particular, limit how much use could be made of behavioural advertising.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12668552
 
Does this mean they can find out what my favorite porn sites?

The rules are part of an e-privacy directive that requires websites to get consent from users before installing cookies, small files that store user preferences and can be used to track people's web browsing habits.

Only if you give them permission. ;)
 
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But if you dont give permission you cant see the web site. Click Yes and they can grab what they like. Dont worry little people because its "all for your safety".

How many folks know the iPhone has hidden code that literally tracks your every move. No worries you agreed to all that when you accepted the Ts & Cs. :p
 
It's been rumoured for a while because the phone has all that tracking code for sending out adverts etc. Its not a big leap to look at the log files.

Android phones have much the same, but less hidden away because you can track your own phone if its lost or stolen. (At least on HTC you can)
 
Almost entire EU now violating Brussels cookie privacy law.
The deadline for the implementation of a European privacy law on cookies passed with a whimper at midnight last night, after just two Member States issued a full notification to Brussels.
Meanwhile, 19 of the 27-bloc countries that make up the European Union ignored the 25 May deadline on implementing the full, or indeed partial, set of measures laid out in the revised legislation for the e-Privacy Directive.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/05/26/european_cookies_law_ignored

Cookie law set to shake up UK websites, but won't be enforced for a year.
Expect browsing to get a whole lot more tiresome as websites will have to explain each and every cookie, thanks to changes to the EU online privacy law that came into force today.

The amendments to the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) require UK websites to gain consent from Web users before they download the tracking files. Cookies help organise and store browsing information, so you don't have to login every time you visit CNET UK, for example.

As a result, you can expect to see endless pop-ups explaining why your information is being stored and tutoring you on the concept of behavioural advertising. It does mean you have more control over your data, however, which will become increasingly important as Web services develop.

The new laws are officially in place, though communications minister Ed Vaizey said the UK will take its time implementing measures to deal with the change. "We recognise that some website users have real concerns around online privacy, but also recognise that cookies play a key role in the smooth running of the Internet," Vaizey said in an open letter to UK businesses.

Information commissioner Christopher Graham said companies will be given up to 12 months to "get their house in order" before the new cookie law is enforced.

Vaizey explained that the government's approach to implementing the updated EU Privacy and Electronic Communications Directive was "light touch" and "business friendly". Businesses that break the rules can face a fine of up to £500,000 once the regulations are phased in. Not so friendly.

The cookie monster won't bite for a year, but do you reckon it will ruin your browsing experience? Or do you welcome the extra control? Let us know your thoughts.
http://crave.cnet.co.uk/software/co...ites-but-wont-be-enforced-for-a-year-50003904
 
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Not sure if anyone remembers this but websites had untill last Saturday(26th May 2012) to comply with the new rules(Privacy and Electronic Communication Regulations (PECR) Act 2011).

I wonder how many actually do?

ben
Just a friendly reminder ..
 
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ben

Are you sure, I've just been reading this and its sounds to me like if a website can be accessed here in the UK the rules apply?

I'm a U.S.-based company with a U.K. and E.U. presence. Am I affected?
U.S.-based companies with a presence in the European Union, no matter how small, are still liable to E.U. laws, regardless of whether your Web site or Web application is hosted in the E.U. or elsewhere. Mobile application developers are also subject to the E.U. laws (see below).
In this scenario, while your U.S. Web site and all other non-E.U. Web sites are not liable to this law, your dedicated pages for the U.K., Italy, France, Germany, and so on, are all affected. It's just the U.K. has taken a little longer to get the wheels in motion.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57442294-93/what-britons-need-to-know-about-u.k-cookie-law
 
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