Constantly requesting permission to place cookies in Internet users' browsers can lead to a worse online experience for those same users. The European Commission is coming up with a solution to this "cookie fatigue": initiating voluntary agreements with companies entering the European market.
On Dec. 19 of last year, the European Commission published a draft plan to address "cookie fatigue" (1). Last weekend, European Commissioner Didier Reynders provided additional details about the initiative, in an exclusive interview with German newspaper Die Welt (2). When cookies are set, websites can continue to collect data from users even after their visit is over. Therefore, EU law requires website providers to obtain consent from their visitors before cookies are placed. Using "cookie forms," website operators can arrange this with a few clicks. Yet the Eurocommissioner notes that this is often done excessively, at the expense of surfing speed and convenience for users.
Reynders does not name any upcoming legislative initiatives on cookies. He believes that voluntary agreements with companies are a more appropriate means. According to him, these agreements would determine how often companies should request consent. Standards could also be established to better inform consumers about the revenue model behind Web sites. Internet consumers should also be able to choose privacy-friendly alternatives, the Eurocommissioner said.
Even before the holidays, the European Data Protection Board reacted optimistically to the proposal. In an advice letter to the Commission, the regulator stressed that it must be clear to participating organizations that these voluntary agreements do not constitute an alternative to compliance with privacy laws (2). According to the EDPB, voluntary participation should not be a reason for the relaxation of privacy law compliance monitoring activities by competent authorities.
https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article249282020/Nervige-Pop-Ups-Das-hat-Bruessel-mit-den-Cookie-Bannern-vor.html
(2) https://commission.europa.eu/live-work-travel-eu/consumer-rights-and-complaints/enforcement-consumer-protection/cookie-pledge_en
(3) https://edpb.europa.eu/system/files/2023-12/edpb_letter_out20230098_feedback_on_cookie_pledge_draft_principles_en.pdf
