Some of the UK’s biggest websites still have to ensure advertising cookie compliance or face action, following a warning previously issued by the Information Commission Office (ICO).
According to the Evening Standard, the ICO said that 38 of the 53 firms it sent a warning to in November have since made changes to their cookies to be compliant. Others are working to develop “alternative solutions”. The ICO called it “an overwhelmingly positive response” to its call for action.
In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, the ICO said: “Last year we wrote to 53 of the UK’s top websites about their cookie practices. To date, 38 organisations have changed their cookie banners to be compliant and four have committed to reach compliance within the next month”.
🆕 Last year, we wrote to 53 of the UK’s top websites about their cookie practices. To date, 38 organisations have changed their cookies banners to be compliant and 4 have committed to reach compliance within the next month.
Find out more: https://t.co/KdNSZeOjak pic.twitter.com/4SZ6dRyLu4
— ICO – Information Commissioner’s Office (@ICOnews) January 31, 2024
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The regulator warned the firms that they had 30 days to comply in order to avoid enforcement action.
It has published the original letter, which calls for websites to address issues such as placing “non-essential” cookies despite users opting out of them, not providing users with the ability to reject non-essential cookies, placing non-essential cookies “without obtaining consent”.
Other areas of concern include placing cookies before the user had the opportunity to consent and placing cookies in a way that means it is easier to accept than reject them.
The ICO has previously issued guidance on how websites can use cookies and stay compliant with PECR and GDPR laws.
