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Cookies Policy
"I need a cookies policy that complies with UK GDPR, clearly explains the types of cookies used, their purpose, and how users can manage their preferences. Include a section on third-party cookies and ensure all monetary references are in GBP."
What is a Cookies Policy?
A Cookies Policy tells website visitors how you collect and use small data files (cookies) that track their browsing activity. Under UK data protection laws, including GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), most websites need this policy to explain their cookie practices clearly and get proper consent from users.
The policy must spell out which types of cookies you use, what information they gather, how long they stay on users' devices, and what you do with the collected data. It also needs to explain how visitors can control or delete cookies through their browser settings, making it a key part of your website's privacy framework.
When should you use a Cookies Policy?
You need a Cookies Policy when your website or app uses any type of cookies to track user activity or store data. This includes common scenarios like running analytics tools, embedding social media features, or remembering user preferences. UK law requires this policy for virtually all commercial websites that serve British users.
The policy becomes especially important when you're launching a new website, updating your tracking methods, or expanding into UK markets. Without it, you risk hefty GDPR fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% of annual turnover. It's also essential when using third-party services like Google Analytics or advertising pixels, as these automatically place cookies on your visitors' devices.
What are the different types of Cookies Policy?
- Basic Cookies Policy: Covers essential and functional cookies only, suitable for simple websites with minimal tracking
- Comprehensive Cookies Policy: Details all cookie categories including analytics, advertising, and social media tracking
- E-commerce Cookies Policy: Specifically addresses shopping cart cookies, payment processing, and personalisation features
- GDPR-focused Cookies Policy: Emphasises user consent mechanisms and detailed data processing information
- Third-party Integration Policy: Focuses on cookies from external services like social media plugins and advertising networks
Who should typically use a Cookies Policy?
- Website Owners & Businesses: Responsible for implementing and maintaining the Cookies Policy across their digital platforms
- Data Protection Officers: Oversee compliance with UK privacy laws and ensure the policy meets GDPR requirements
- Web Developers: Implement technical aspects of cookie management and consent mechanisms
- Legal Teams: Draft and review policy content to ensure alignment with UK data protection regulations
- Website Visitors: Must be informed about cookie usage and have the opportunity to consent or decline tracking
- Marketing Teams: Rely on cookie data for analytics and need to understand policy limitations
How do you write a Cookies Policy?
- Cookie Audit: Document all types of cookies your website uses, including third-party services and tracking tools
- Purpose Mapping: List the specific reasons for each cookie's use and how long they remain active
- Consent Mechanism: Plan how you'll collect and record user consent for non-essential cookies
- Technical Details: Gather information about cookie names, domains, and expiration periods
- User Controls: Document how visitors can manage cookie preferences through browser settings
- Policy Generator: Use our platform to create a legally compliant policy that includes all mandatory elements under UK law
What should be included in a Cookies Policy?
- Cookie Definition: Clear explanation of what cookies are and how they work on your website
- Types & Purposes: Detailed categorisation of all cookies used (essential, functional, analytical, marketing)
- Data Collection: Specific information about what data is gathered and how long it's stored
- User Rights: Clear instructions for controlling or refusing cookies through browser settings
- Third-Party Usage: List of external services placing cookies and links to their policies
- Consent Mechanism: Description of how users can accept or reject different cookie types
- Contact Details: Information for users to reach you with cookie-related queries
What's the difference between a Cookies Policy and a Cybersecurity Policy?
A Cookies Policy differs significantly from a Cybersecurity Policy, though both deal with digital data protection. While a Cookies Policy focuses specifically on website tracking and user consent for data collection through cookies, a Cybersecurity Policy covers broader IT security measures and protocols.
- Scope of Coverage: Cookies Policies deal exclusively with browser-based tracking and data collection, while Cybersecurity Policies address all aspects of digital security, from network protection to incident response
- Legal Requirements: Cookies Policies are mandatory under GDPR and PECR for websites using cookies, whereas Cybersecurity Policies are typically internal documents for organizational risk management
- Target Audience: Cookies Policies are public-facing documents for website visitors, while Cybersecurity Policies primarily guide internal staff and IT teams
- Consent Management: Cookies Policies must include user choice mechanisms, but Cybersecurity Policies focus on mandatory compliance rules
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Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
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Read our Privacy Policy.