Cookies in Web Design
Now we are not for one second thinking of a web designer sat creating a web design whilst tucking into a bag of chocolate cookies. It is not the delicious biscuit that we want to discuss but rather a cookie in the form of a small file.
A cookie is in effect a small file consisting of letters and numbers which are downloaded to a device such as a computer, mobile phone, tablet and others and it actually allows a website to recognise the user’s device.
On the 26th May 2011 there was a change in the rules and regulations concerning cookies and websites now have to clearly state how user’s details will be used and stored.
Before the change many website owners would simply state that cookies were being used and that you could opt out. This information would be placed into the websites privacy policy. From now on cookies can only be placed onto a user’s device when explicit consent is given and when the use of a cookie is necessary.
People often get the wrong idea about cookies and think that they are a negative item but there is nothing at all nasty about them; in fact they can perform many useful and handy functions for the user. On entering a website your browser requests information from the server, it is this server which issues the cookie file which is stored onto your computer or device.
Cookies usually expire within 30 days and then the file will be removed from your browser’s memory. Web designs now need to conform to the changes in regards to cookies. You should add any cookie information into terms and conditions and explain how they can use the cookies.
All of our Brick technology websites are compliant to using cookies. However, if you are not sure whether yours is then our advice is to check with your web design company and avoid getting into trouble.