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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.

Client feedback

I am very pleased with the service I received from Winstons, this is the second time I have dealt with them for conveyancing services and on both occasions Leasa was incredibly thorough and reassured me every step of the way. When other parties failed to deliver, Leasa ensured things were chased up and delivered/received with accuracy. I would highly recommend and will be sure to use Winston's again for any future property purchases
Charis
Would highly recommend Winston's.Both Leasa and Julie were extremely professional and we recieved regular email and direct call updates.In the middle of an extremely challenging chain, they went above and beyond and became intermediary's liasing with everyone else in order to get the conveyancing completed on time.Thanks again for a great service.Regards
Richard
My conveyancer Samantha and her associate Michelle kept me informed of the progress of my sale throughout the transaction. It was of benefit to me that the Winston office was local with plenty of parking. I would recommend them for any conveyancing
Ms H
Winston’s acted for us with our house sale and onward purchase. They have been excellent from start to finish. Leasa is extremely quick to respond to emails and more than happy to answer any questions. The online system is very efficient and helps keep you up to date with progress of the sale/purchase. Leasa and her team made the whole process so much less stressful than it could’ve been and we can’t thank them enough. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
Lucy
Teresa and Judith assisted with my recent divorce and i cannot rate them highly enough, i was talked through every aspect and everything was explained in full and i was kept fully updated and imformed of everything that i needed to do and when it was required for. Their patience when i was working away and understanding was especially appreciated.Once that was all complete Amanda and Samantha and the convayensing team sorted the transfer of the house and the paperwork associated with that.I would highly recommend them and thier company for any legal issues you have and would use thier services again without hesitation.
Richard J
Special praise for Emily Spencer ,who is more than efficient , very thorough in her work and I am sure , a very good member of the Winstons team ! Well done her ( plus Jeremy re our registration with the Land Registry .!)
Stuart
A helpful and thorough service that meant I felt confident that the house sale would be handled well.
Helen
Amazing service!
Anonymous
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