Tag Archives: Cookies

Hunton Hosts Webinar on Preparing for the EU Cookie Law

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Hunton & Williams LLP

On June 6, 2011, Hunton & Williams hosted a panel discussion on what organizations in the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands are doing to comply with the EU’s new cookie law.  The webinar, Consent for Cookies: Preparing for the EU Cookie Law, featured David Evans, Group Manager of Business and Industry of the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, and Hunton & Williams Brussels-based associates Olivier Proust, Dr. Jörg Hladjk and Martijn ten Bloemendal.  The panel was moderated by Bridget C. Treacy, partner in the London office of Hunton & Williams.  Listen to the webinar now.

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Webinar on Consent for Cookies: Preparing for the EU Cookie Law

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Hunton & Williams LLP

On June 6, 2011, join Hunton & Williams for a panel discussion on the implementation of the new EU Cookie Law in the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands.  EU law on the use of cookies is changing.  Opt-in consent will be required, but specific requirements may differ across the EU.  What are organizations doing to ensure compliance with the new cookie law?  Listen to David Evans, Group Manager of Business and Industry of the Information Commissioner’s Office, explain the steps that UK organizations are expected to take.  Learn about cookie compliance in France, Germany and the Netherlands.  Register now for this complimentary webinar.

Update: A recording of the webinar is now available online.

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UK ICO Gives Websites One Year to Comply with New Cookies Law

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Hunton & Williams LLP

On May 25, 2011, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (the “ICO”) issued a news release stating that organizations and businesses that run websites aimed at UK consumers will be given up to 12 months to “get their house in order” before enforcement of the new cookie law begins.  Information Commissioner Christopher Graham made it clear, however, that “[t]his does not let everyone off the hook.  Those who choose to do nothing will have their lack of action taken into account when we begin formal enforcement of the rules.” Continue reading…

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UK Cookie Law Requires Opt-in Consent

Posted on May 14, 2011 by Hunton & Williams LLP

From May 26, 2011, UK law regulating the use of cookies on websites will change from an opt-out regime, to one requiring prior opt-in consent.  This change poses significant practical challenges for website operators.  In guidance on the new regulations, the UK Information Commissioner has acknowledged the challenge but warned that website operators must take steps now to ensure that they are ready to comply. Continue reading…

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UK Government Announces Implementation of EU Cookies Law

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Hunton & Williams LLP

On April 15, 2011, the United Kingdom’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (“DCMS”) announced that the UK will adopt the new EU rules on cookies without “gold-plating” the regulations by imposing additional national requirements, to help ensure that British companies can compete with the rest of Europe.  As we previously reported, the UK government had reassured businesses that it would carry out the implementation in a manner that would minimize the impact on businesses and consumers. Continue reading…

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Details of UK’s Approach to Implementation of EU Cookie Rule

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Hunton & Williams LLP

On March 16, 2011, UK Information Commissioner Christopher Graham shared details of the government’s proposals for the implementation of the e-Privacy Directive with delegates at the Direct Marketing Association’s Data Protection Conference in London. A letter from the Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey, provides important reassurance to business that “Government is committed to introducing the amended provision in a way that minimises impacts to business and consumers.” Continue reading…

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UK Information Commissioner Warns Businesses to “Wake Up” to the New EU Law on Cookies

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Hunton & Williams LLP

On March 8, 2011, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (the “ICO”) issued a warning to UK businesses on the forthcoming amendments to the Privacy and Electronic Communications Directive (2002/58/EC as amended by 2009/136/EC) that will require businesses operating websites in the UK to obtain consent from website visitors to store information on their computers and retrieve that information in the form of cookies. Continue reading…

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European Network and Information Security Agency Publishes Report on Cookies

Posted on February 23, 2011 by Hunton & Williams LLP

On February 18, 2011, the European Network and Information Security Agency (“ENISA”), an advisory body created to enhance information security in the EU, announced the issuance of its report on cookies, entitled “Bittersweet cookies.  Some security and privacy considerations.” Continue reading…

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Adobe Announces Improvements to Flash Player Privacy Controls

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Hunton & Williams LLP

On January 12, 2011, Adobe Systems Incorporated (“Adobe”) announced in its Adobe Flash Platform Blog that it is working with browser vendors to integrate control features into browser user interfaces that will allow users to more easily control local shared objects (“LSOs”) on their computers.  Local shared objects, often referred to as Flash cookies, store information about online activity, including things like browsing history, login details and preferences.  In August 2010, we reported on several lawsuits that had been filed against online advertising networks for, among other things, using Flash cookies to re-create deleted browser cookies. Continue reading…

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Dutch Bill Proposes Data Breach Notification Requirements and Revised Cookie Regime

Posted on November 16, 2010 by Hunton & Williams LLP

In a move toward implementation of the EU e-Privacy Directive, on November 3, 2010, the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs submitted a bill to the Dutch Parliament that would amend the Dutch Telecommunications Act to obligate telecom and internet service providers to provide notification of data security breaches, and require consent for the use of cookies (the “Bill”).

The proposed Bill would require telecom and internet service providers to notify the Dutch Telecom Authority (the “OPTA”) without delay in the event of a security breach involving personal data.  They also would be required to notify affected individuals without delay if the breach is likely to have an adverse effect on the protection of their personal data.  The Bill does not affect initiatives to introduce a broader data breach notification regime applicable to other industries outside the telecom sector.  The Dutch Minister of Justice recently stated that he expects to issue a proposal to implement a more general data breach notification law in 2011. Continue reading…

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