Webfusion Gears up for EU e-Privacy Directive
The nationwide deadline over regulating the use of cookies comes into force on 26 May 2012. After this date a website operator will no longer be able to store information or gain access to information stored in the computer of a user unless the user is provided with “clear and comprehensive information about the purposes of the storage of that information, and has expressed consent.”
The regulations are designed to protect user’s privacy when using the web. The United Kingdom’s Information Consumer Office (ICO) will impose a European Union directive designed to protect internet users.
The question that Webfusion and other online businesses across the United Kingdom must ask themselves is whether or not the European Union e-Privacy Directive is one that will harm small to medium sized businesses? The very real threat to online business is highlighted in a recent report from Interactive Retail Media in Retail (IMRG). The UK’s Industry Association for Retail claimed in a recent report that 33% of those it surveyed assumed that cookies could be used for viruses and Trojans. Undoubtedly there is an education gap which may possibly result in individuals opting out of cookies for the wrong reasons.
If the law is executed to the letter the results could be shattering. Cookies are the most basic method of tracking and offering users personalisation. The resulting effect could see social media effectively operating with two hands tied behind its back.
So what is Webfusion carrying out to fall into line with the directive? We at Webfusion are taking a pragmatic approach to the Law. Our main aim is to ensure we are clear to our customers without affecting their overall on site experience. Our customers will not be hit with an intrusive pop up window when they log onto Webfusion.co.uk. Instead, users should click the “Privacy and Cookies” tab which will allow them to enable or disable “Tracking Cookies” (See images below).
Within this tab, Webfusion will explain to customers what cookies are, why the online business uses them and a compilation of support articles to help customers. We believe this is what differentiates us. Webfusion will offer guidance to our customers allowing them to make informed decisions as to what decisions they need to make for their own websites.
So in short:
- Its purpose is to offer our customers the choice to opt in or out. Once clicked a pop-up will appear offering a brief description of what cookies are the changes to how they are regulated. If a customer opts in, everything on our website will remain the same and cookies that we currently use will be stored as normal.
- If, however a customer opts out, they will notice some changes. Most notably will be the removal of “Targeting” cookies which will be deactivated.
- For those who have decided to opt out, the website will function no differently, however, as mentioned some things will disappear – any external links, feeds and Youtube videos will be removed. Customers may wish to opt back in based on this change which is why the option will never be removed from our websites.
Webfusion is also extremely conscious of the need to raise awareness, especially to our customer base. Although we are not responsible for our customer’s websites, we consider it important as a responsible brand, to encourage our customers to show responsibility. Webfusion will continue to raise awareness of the new directive.
As stated before, the law is uncertain in its detail and that is half the battle we have faced. We do not ask our customers to follow what we are applying; we are simply highlighting how we have understood the law. If you want to know more or want to share what changes you have implemented on your site on follow us on twitter @webfusionUK and leave your comments.
About Webfusion
Established in 1997, Webfusion is one of the UK’s leading web hosting groups. Offering cost-effective, feature-rich hosting packages for its diverse customer base – including everyone from web developers, designers and hobbyists to businesses with complex e-commerce operations – its customers benefit from market-leading security and service. Features include: 24/7 technical support; managed and cloud hosting; robust Firewall server protection; one click installation; access to FTP accounts and a state-of-the-art data centre.
Webfusion is also part of the Host Europe Group, the largest privately-owned hosting company in Europe, and a Sunday Times Deloitte Buyout Track 100 company. With 4.5 million domains in the group portfolio and over 1 million customers, the Host Europe Group also includes 123-reg, Heart Internet, Host Europe, RedCoruna and dynamic-net AG, and has a strong International market presence in the US, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain.
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Tags: Cookie, Cookie Law, Cookies, Directive, e-Privacy Directive, EU, Google, Host Europe, ICO, law, Webfusion