Make sure your cookies don't break the law

Firms that use websites to promote their business are being urged not to fall foul of new EU legislation relating to consumer policy.

Nottingham lawyers Andersons Solicitors say new rules mean that firms will soon have to get permission before they can store files on a consumer's computer.

The new law is designed to control the use of small files such as cookies.

These can be installed on a customer's computer to store information about their interests and preferences based on the products they've viewed and purchased online in the past.

It means that when they revisit the website that created the cookie, they can be shown products and services specifically tailored to their interests. The cookies can also store sensitive information such as a person's payment details.

Cookies and similar are used by most businesses and organisations in the UK.

Peter Sutherland of Andersons Solicitors in Nottingham, said that while cookies can make online purchasing much easier, they also raise issues of privacy.

"On 25th May this year, an amendment to the EU's Privacy and Electronic Communications Directive will require businesses to obtain consent from consumers before they can use cookies and similar files.

"It will give consumers more control over what kind of information they will allow companies to store.

"The Information Commissioner is liaising with businesses to see how the changes can be implemented but firms need to be aware that they may have to change the way they do things to avoid breaking the law in the future."

For more information please contact Peter Sutherland on 0115 988 6714 or email psutherland@andersonssolicitors.co.uk.