How a Cookie can get you into trouble!

Cookies don't just make you fat, they can also get you nicked!!

I must be honest, I love cookies but was shocked when I heard that those eejits in Brussels had passed a new privacy law.

See http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_organisations/privacy_and_electronic_communications/the_guide/cookies.aspx
For more info.

Basically, if you have a website, it is more than likely you are affected.

What's a Cookie anyway. (skip to the next section if you know already)

A cookie, also known as an HTTP cookie, web cookie, or browser cookie, is usually a small piece of data sent from a website and stored in a user's web browser while a user is browsing a website. When the user browses the same website in the future, the data stored in the cookie can be retrieved by the website to notify the website of the user's previous activity. Cookies were designed to be a reliable mechanism for websites to remember the state of the website or activity the user had taken in the past. This can include clicking particular buttons, logging in, or a record of which pages were visited by the user even months or years ago. (Wikipedia)

Does my website use Cookies?

How do you know if your website uses cookies and if so what cookies does it use?

You need to do a cookie audit. Here's a great tool, I use, it's free!!

http://www.attacat.co.uk/resources/cookies

Oh Dear, I use Cookies what can I do?

Firstly don't panic, if you look around the Internet you will find that even some local Government websites do not comply. See, my local council http://www.kettering.gov.uk don't!

Actually the solution is really simple if you follow direct.gov or http://www.number10.gov.uk

All they have done is put a link in their banner (masthead) with a link to their cookie policy!

If you need any advice on this I am happy to help!

If you simply do not have the time but want to comply let me know, we can sort it all out with a proper solution (like the one at the www.ico.gov.uk) for £50!