Crunch Time for Cookies - Part 2

In our last article, we reported on the new regulations regarding internet cookies. After several concerns over privacy, any website using cookies must now prominently display the fact and the website visitor will be prompted to either accept or deny the request. The regulations came into force on 26^th May 2012.

There are several ways of displaying a website’s request to use cookies. Here, we look at three of the most popular ways, comparing their attributes and suggesting where each one might best be used. The best method relies on many factors, advice on which is readily available from the dedicated Brickweb team.

Modal dialogue boxes can appear on any homepage or other page within the site on which a user has not opted into accepting cookies. The user can be refused access to the site if they do not accept cookies and this makes it the clearest way of stating the cookie policy of the website. A drawback of this method is that the user will not be able to browse the website unless they accept and may therefore choose not to browse the site at all. The BBC website is using modal dialogue boxes; as they are a large and very specific organisation the problem of a visitor leaving the website before browsing is somewhat diminished. Smaller businesses, however, can easily lose visitors.

The translucent status bar chosen by Debenham’s appears at the bottom of the home page upon accessing their website. Status bars can be set to appear on every page of a website and will remain visible until a user makes their decision. Allowing a user to continue browsing even if the message is ignored, the status bar is a less intrusive method than a dialogue box. The problems of obscured website content and lack of received cookie information if few users choose to opt in must be considered if opting for this method.

Ebay have chosen a warning bar which is similar to a status bar with the difference that they can be made to appear whenever a website wishes to set a cookie rather than just on a page. They can be configured to display options for further information and inform the user exactly which type of cookie the website is requesting to use. The same problems of obscured content and lack of information experienced with status bars can also be encountered when using warning bars.

Brickweb’s custom web design team can work with you to find the best strategy to bring your website in line with the new cookie regulations. As a leading digital agency, we offer the best service and complete satisfaction at every step. Ensuring your website complies with regulations whilst not detracting from its layout is an essential part of any internet marketing; Brickweb are experts in helping our customers achieve this.