WebPlus X6: EU Cookie Law

[Gillian]

The sticky thread on this subject is closed but did not provide any answers. I have a client whose website I designed that is asking me to add a permissions-based cookie control widget on their WebPlus site and I don't have a clue where to start.

a. Is Serif doing anything about this? The law came into effect in May 2011 and became enforceable in May this year. Many websites are simply adding a notice saying "by using this website you are consenting to the use of cookies on your computer" which may be a workaround but is not actually complying with the letter of the law.

b. Has anyone added any code to their website that will record the permission given and stop putting cookies on computers where permission has not been given? Code that actually works? Clicking the link on websites to give permission should mean that the prompt doesn't appear again (unless you clear cookies) but in many cases you are asked to give permission on every visit.

Gillian

[Tom.]

Gillian

There are lots of threads on this subject. Here are a couple :-

Free Cookie consent Button/Panel
WebPlus X5: The New EU cookie law

Most of these widgets cover Google Analytics, not other non-essential intrusive cookies. The law was changed at the last minute, you should be fine for now by informing the visitor on any landing page about which cookies are using (by name and function) and how to block/remove.

There are also lots of non-WebPlus examples of how this should work :-

http://www.grant-thornton.co.uk

and in the privacy or dedicated cookie page :-

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/e-privacy-policy

You're more likely to get a smack on the wrist from the ICO if a complaint should be raised and the site doesn't meet the grade. But consumers can visit the small claims court website and take their own action with regards to data privacy.

[Naz]

I find it strange that non of the major tech companies have addressed cookie compliance.

[Adrian]

Originally Posted by Naz I find it strange that non of the major tech companies have addressed cookie compliance.

I find it strange that serif have not as yet added an option to webplus x6 etc that does this.

Is it really that complex for them to do?

After all we have google analytics's added and paypal integrations as well with just a few clicks.

Is there hope.
I have tried some of the options out there, but they are fiddly and fall apart so fast after updating the website or it just fails to work it all seems so pointless

Looks like I may have to do something soon with or with out serifs help

[Bob Keen]

As I said in another thread, as long as you have made a reasonable effort to inform site visitors of cookies and how they might remove them, it is unlikely that you will incur the wrath of the legal eagles.

[Sarah W]

Hi all,

By coincidence, a Knowledge Base article was published last Friday which provides information on what cookies WebPlus sites can generate. I have updated the sticky thread accordingly:
http://forums.serif.com/showthread.php?t=111676

This should be all the information you need to determine whether or not your site currently complies and what action you need to take to ensure compliance if required.

Apologies again for the delay in making this information available.

[vicsetter]

I should follow the lead of the BBC (www.bbc.co.uk) add a cookies link (next to your privacy link) and a page explaining cookies (more or less clone the BBC one).
I use NoScript Firefox add-on and most of the pop-ups for cookies are written in Java so unless I enable them I don't even see them.
BTW the Firefox add-on Abine (http://www.abine.com/) reveals all the cookies in use for a particular website and is usefull for checking.

[Art]

I found this from Google which may help Google Analytic users. Google Analytic Cookie Opt out

Art

[bjornunda]

Originally Posted by Sarah W Hi all, By coincidence, a Knowledge Base article was published last Friday which provides information on what cookies WebPlus sites can generate. I have updated the sticky thread accordingly: http://forums.serif.com/showthread.php?t=111676 This should be all the information you need to determine whether or not your site currently complies and what action you need to take to ensure compliance if required. Apologies again for the delay in making this information available.

Re. WebPlus Forum Smart Object.
The Serif Web Resources forum Privacy Summary page is unhelpful and needs attention:-
1. The link to the complete privacy policy is broken.
2. Site Statement: First para is duplicated.
3. The statement that "Information is retained for an indeterminate period of time" appears inconsistent with the Knowledge Base article re session cookies.
4. The answer to "Do users have access to their information collected by the web site?" is unclear.