What you need to know to be a smart cookie.

The ICO (Information Commissioners Office) is imposing an EU directive on the 26th May 2012 which is designed to protect internet users’ privacy.

This new law means that all Internet sites must provide “clear and comprehensive information” regarding the use of cookies.

ALL website managers will need to:-

1. Tell site visitors that the cookies are there
2. Explain what the cookies are doing
3. Make sure they get the visitors’ consent to store the cookie on their device.

A Cookies Overview

What are Cookies? Websites that you visit place small text files on your computer – mainly to enable the website to work more effectively and also to provide the website owners with feedback information.

What you can do now?

The table below shows how cookie information could be displayed on your website privacy page:

Depending on your cookie solution – if you add software to your website which allows your website visitors to manage their cookies for your website…you could add the following statement to your website:-

How we use cookies

The cookie (or message) asks permission to be placed on your computer’s hard drive in a small text format. If you agree to this the message or file is then added to your hard drive. It can help to analyse web traffic, to identify a user or retain login information when you are revisiting a website. Cookies therefore can be very useful, they can respond to previously used web applications. Enabling the web application to mould its operations to your needs, likes or dislikes by tracking the information about your preferences.

‘Traffic log cookies’ can identify which web pages are being used. A good tool for analysing webpage traffic data which ultimately improves our website because it moulds it to customer needs. This information is only used to gather information for statistical analysis after which the data is removed from the system.

In the main, cookies do help to provide a better website. We can monitor pages customers find useful and those which they do not. However, be assured that the cookie does not allow any access to your computer or divulge any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.

You do have a choice. It is perfectly acceptable to accept or decline cookie use. You can amend your browser setting to decline but bearing in mind that this may stop you from getting the most out of a website.

To learn more about cookies you can do so by visiting www.allaboutcookies.org

How iSEV can help

If you’d like us to help with your cookie situation we can:-

Option 1

Add a Cookie information page and Update your privacy policy. Or…

Option 2

In order to demonstrate to your customers that you take their privacy seriously we can add a small item of software to your website that asks the visitor if they want cookies ‘on or off’. If they choose not to store the cookies – using the software we provide means that they will still be able to browse your website without the cookies, (which is better than the customer leaving your website).

Disclaimer:

The information contained on our website is for general information purposes only. The information on this website is provided by iSEV Ltd and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of the information on our website.

Through website information you may be able to link to other websites which are not under the control of iSEV Ltd. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.