Guidance on the rules on use of cookies and similar technologies

The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (PECR) cover the use of cookies and similar technologies for storing information and accessing information stored on a user’s equipment such as their computer or mobile. 

To see the full Regulations please click on the following link; http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2003/2426/contents/made

What is a cookie?

A cookie is a small file, typically of letters and numbers, downloaded on to a device when the user accesses certain websites.  Cookies are then sent back to the originating website on each subsequent visit.  Cookies are useful because they allow a website to recognise a user’s device. 

New rules on cookies since May 2011

Since 2003, anyone using cookies has been required to provide clear information about those cookies.  In May 2011, the existing rules were amended and the new requirements are:- 

1. to provide clear information about the cookies and
2. to obtain consent from users or subscribers to store cookies on their device.  Consent must be ‘valid’ and ‘well informed’. 

The deadline for complying with these requirements is May 2012.

It is the person setting the cookie who is primarily responsible for compliance with these requirements. 

Exceptions

There is an exception to the requirement to provide information about cookies and obtain consent where the use of the cookie is:

1. for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network; or
2. where such storage or access is strictly necessary for the provision of an information society service requested by the subscriber or user. 

The exception is likely to apply, for example, to a cookie used to ensure that when a user of a site has chosen the goods they wish to buy and clicks the ‘add to basket’ or ‘proceed to checkout’ button, the site ‘remembers’ what they chose on a previous page.  This cookie is strictly necessary to provide the service the user requests.

What Anglia Ruskin University is doing to comply with the changes in PECR in May 2011.

We have started work on complying with the changes in order to meet the deadline of May 2012. 

We are currently checking what type of cookies and similar technologies we use and how we use them.  We will also assess how intrusive our use of cookies is. 

Where we need to obtain consent, we will decide what solution to obtain consent will be best. 

Further developments will be noted on this page as they occur.

 If you would like any further information on cookies please contact either Jackie Barlow, University Records Manager (jackie.barlow@anglia.ac.uk) or Gregor Waddell, Assistant Director, ITS (gregor.waddell@anglia.ac.uk).

 

 

 

 

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