ePrivacy Directive explained
All you need to know about the European "Cookie Law"
What is the ePrivacy Directive (The European "Cookie Law")?
The ePrivacy Directive – also known as the European “cookie law” – is a European Directive from 2002 (revised in 2009). It is transformed into national law across the European member states.
The Directive concerns the use of cookies and other tracking technologies that websites and apps use.
According to the directive, all websites in the EU must collect their visitors’ consent in order to store cookies onto the users’ computers or smart phones (devices).
That means, if a website uses cookies for purposes like statistics and/or marketing, the site must ask the user for his or her consent before placing the cookies.
Read the full law text: ePrivacy Directive 2002
We'll go through:
Who does the ePrivacy Directive apply to?
If your website uses cookies (first or third party), then the ePrivacy Directive applies to your site.
This is regardless of whether your site is privately owned or pertains to a company or public authorities.
Your national Data Protection Authority has published a set of guidelines for using cookies which may vary slightly from the ePrivacy Directive.
Remember, the rules for using cookies for collecting and processing personal data is tightened with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Read also: What is the GPDR?
Checklist to comply with the ePrivacy Directive
- Get a professional cookie banner
- Inform your users of cookies, their purpose and lifespan
- Ask for consent before placing any cookies (except technically necessary cookies)
- Give your users the option of declining cookies (opt-out)
- Hold back cookies, until you have received valid consent
- Store all consents for 5 years (as required by law)
Is your website complying with the ePrivacy Directive and GDPR?
Get a free privacy compliance audit of your website.
Does your website use cookies or online trackers? Let's help you collect valid consent
We can help you comply with the ePrivacy Directive.
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Cookie information's Cookie Consent Solution includes:
- Frequent scanning of your website for cookies and other tracking technologies
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- Privacy Controls for opt-out of cookies
- Cookie consent pop-up
- Cookie policy
- Storage of consents (in case of inspection)
- Knowledge Base (information on all cookies)
ePrivacy useful references
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