In today’s digital world, your search habits are tracked by data known as cookies. With user privacy becoming a growing concern for Internet users, lawmakers are trying to increase the transparency between personal data and how it’s being used on websites. As these regulations roll out, the biggest question is how it impacts your business website and the steps you need to take to ensure compliance.
What is an HTTP Cookie?
An HTTP Cookie, also known as a web cookie or browser cookie is a small file that stores pieces of data about a user on a computer’s web browser. This cookie acts like memory for a web page. Cookies can store data like first name, last name and passwords on a specific web browser so the user is not required to fill in their information for every visit. This data creates a better user experience by increasing personalization and functionality of a website.
Cookies and Online Privacy
Although cookies can increase the user experience, since they store personal data there is a debate about how it impacts the privacy of web users. As cookies collect information from a user through their browser history, they may start seeing more personalized ads based on their recent searches.
What is the Cookie Law?
The concern of online privacy has influenced lawmakers to mandate regulations that will create transparency for users and allow them to control their experience. In response to this issue the European Parliament mandated a privacy legislation that requires consent from users before a website can store their information, which is known as the Cookie Law. This law now allows users to choose whether they would like their data stored on a website.
What Cookie Law Means for Businesses
Since the Cookie Law is under the European Parliament, you may be wondering if this law applies to a business located in the United States. To assess if you need to comply with the Cookie Law, you have to determine where the location of your business is and your target audience. If your business services or is located in Europe, then your website would have to follow Cookie Law guidelines. Many websites are adopting this standard regardless to ensure their compliance with regulatory trends.
If you’re still unsure whether your website needs to comply with Cookie Law, contact the experts at Greenleaf Media to ensure your website meets regulation standards.