Cookie Acceptance Can Stop All of the EU GDPR Notifications

The European Union implemented the General Data Protection Regulation in May 2018. By design, this directive is designed to protect consumers' personal information. Businesses that operate websites were forced to abide by new protocols, and they were forced to disclose certain practices to consumers. Nobody can deny the GDPR seeks to protect consumers, but the directive isn't without its issues. In fact, many web developers still don't understand everything the GDPR covers.

As most people know, websites store cookies on users' computers for various reasons. A website might use cookies to save login sessions. Another website might rely on cookies to ensure the smooth function of services or features. Either way, cookies are incredibly important when it comes to browsing the internet. Certain websites may store dozens of cookies, though, and they're not always upfront about this fact. Part of the GDPR sought to protect consumers from the unscrupulous use of cookies.

In general, the GDPR allows websites to use cookies for purposes that consumers would expect. No disclosure or notice is required in such cases. This includes cookies that save login sessions or make core website services function. Simply put, consumers expect such cookies to be used because they ensure a regular browsing experience. GDPR rules require disclosure for cookies that aren't so straightforward. Cookies that collect user data or perform hidden functions, for instance, require disclosure.

Consider the case of a cookie that toggles a website's night mode. If a user clicks the night mode toggle, then they prefer that particular theme. From there, it's safe to assume they would want to use that mode in subsequent visits to that website. A cookie could be used to save that preference, and disclosure wouldn't be required about the cookie's use. The user expects the website to save such a preference, and forcing a manual toggle every visit would be counterintuitive to most users.

While this case might seem obvious, web developers still question standard procedures under the GDPR. In the end, the GDPR is a welcome protection for consumers, but it can cause headaches elsewhere. Website operators and web developers need to consider the GDPR's rules before collecting consumer data or using cookies. Perhaps nobody fully understands the GDPR due to vague language within the directive. However, web developers need to exercise caution and proceed with consumers in mind. For more information click here https://www.reddit.com/r/web_design/comments/9fovnu/do_i_need_to_create_a_cookie_optin_for_night_mode/.