On 26th May 2012 all UK websites must offer users opt-in consent tools to allow cookies that pass information about your browsing activities to 3rd parties. Optanon is a managed software service that enables you to make your website compliant.
"Cookies on the BBC website. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the BBC website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookie settings at any time."
Landing on the Financial Times' website, you imediatelly get a Modal popup with one option "Close". Basically, as soon as you click "Close" you are agreeing to allowing their site to use 3rd party cookies. Personally I think this is the best way to do it. If someone wants to use your site, but is fussy about cookies, then it is up to them to sort it out.
"By closing this message, you consent to our cookies on this device in accordance with our cookie policy unless you have disabled them."
Well, I have yet to find any other UK websites with a cookie compliance acceptance message! Great to see them all taking this new EU law seriously!
I have written a little jQuery plugin which you can use to display a Modal popup message similar to the two above. Check it out at my Git Hub
Since writing this, a few more have popped up.
"This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here."
"Like most websites Channel 4 users cookies. In order to deliver a personalised, responsive service and to improve the site, we remember and store information about how you use it. This is done using simple text files called cookies which sit on your computer. These cookies are completely safe and secure and will never contain any sensitive information. They are used only by Channel 4 or the trusted partners we work with. "Accept and Close" "How to manage cookies"
"The cookie settings on this website are set to 'allow all cookies' to give you the very best experience. If you continue without changing these settings, you consent to this - but if you want, you can change your settings at any time at the bottom of this page." More about cookies on bt.com
