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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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Despite a protected sale, Sidraa & Tom were the consummate professionals and kept everything on track
Kate
I was dreading the probate process after my husband sadly died earlier this year. Friends who had been in the same situation warned me it could take months or even years. I didn't even know what it involved, it was a complete mystery to me!Thank good ness for Emily Spencer at Winston solicitors who talked me through the whole process and told me what information I needed to complete the paperwork. Emails and phone queries were answered very promptly and once I'd submitted all the figures the grant of probate was applied for by Emily and was returned within a few weeks, not months! Great result and nothing like the trauma I was anticipating.
Patricia
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Hannah
Really helpful advice
Anonymous
We used Winston's (Samantha) for our house sale & purchase. Very impressed with her dealings with us, keeping us up to date with progress and always happy to answer any questions we had. Nothing was too much trouble for her. Colleagues who asisted her, were equally helpful. Would have no hesitation in using them again or recommend the firm. First class service.
Anonymous
I cannot recommend Winston's highly enough. My case in question was extremely long, convoluted and complex. Yet Winston's and in particular Harriet Reid and Emily Bell, proved to be more than up to the task. Sticking to and sifting through the facts and presenting the evidence, despite volumes of irrelevant information being thrown at them. The results achieved in court, were a true testament to their skill dedication, knowledge and understanding of the subject at hand.
David
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