The new cookie regime | Winston Solicitors
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The new cookie regime

Jonathan Winston Jonathan Winston
2 min read

From 26 May all businesses with a website are required to obtain consent from users or subscribers in order to use cookies. This is to comply with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.

A cookie is a string of data (usually letters and numbers) which, by being stored on a particular device accessing a website, functions as a unique identifier for it.

The Regulations set out the requirements for notice and consent for cookies and other similar technologies. However consent is not a straightforward concept: the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) is not prepared to endorse any specific solution; instead, it advises organisations to adapt their approach depending on the type of cookie being used and the relationship with the users. Browser settings could offer a way of indicating consent to the use of cookies. However, the general view is that most current browser settings are not sophisticated enough for websites to infer that consent has been given to allow a cookie to be set.

In order to comply with the new regime there are some practical steps which businesses can take including: conducting a "cookie audit"; assessing the privacy intrusiveness of the cookies used; and deciding what level of information to provide to users so that they can understand clearly the potential consequences of agreeing to allow the cookies to operate on their devices. Businesses should also review their website terms and conditions and privacy policies.

The ICO may exercise a range of powers at its disposal in relation to breaches of the Regulations, including Enforcement Notices, Information Notices and fines of up to £500,000.

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Excellent communication throughout the whole process.
David
I have been supported throughout my claim very professionally and was always updated by Stacey Flagg, very pleased I chose Winston’s Solicitors to act on my behalf
Craig
Wendy Campbell who delt with my devorce was polite and understanding,very pefessional.I could not have ask for a better person to help me through the bad times. Always keeping me up to date with every thing and no problem she could not handle.
Andrew
I appointed Winston’s as conveyancers for both the sale of my existing home, and purchase of my next one. Sidraa and Tom were fantastic, working with pace and always responsive by email and/or when I called. It was far more seamless than I anticipated and I was incredibly impressed with their efficiency and communication. Thank you!
Joseph
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Anonymous
Excellent service,highly professional and support me with purchasing the house.
Midhula
I found Winston Solicitors through, of all places, a post on Reddit from property flippers. They had great reviews on it and being a trusted person, did my due dilligence and checked Google too. I wasn't disappointed. I had been dealing with Amanda, Tom and Sidraa throughout my sale and purchase. I felt like I had the best team all the way through. Nothing got passed them and they were always prompt, helpful and friendly from start to finish. Sidraa certainly had her work cut out and she made me feel like they had my back and my interests at heart. Please don't be put off by using solicitors miles away. Most of this can be done online nowadays. It's all so easy to do. I don't want to move anytime soon but, if I have to, I will be using Winston Solicitors again and preferably the same team! Thank you all.
David
They kept in regular contact and updated me as expected. When talking to them on the phone , I found them to be kind , compassionate , caring and efficient.
Emily
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