New guidance has been issued by the ICO on how the rules apply for those operating websites and using cookies. The 27 page guidance indicates that implementing the regulations is likely to require considerable work in the short term but compliance will get significantly easier with time. The guidance also states that it would be highly unlikely that priority for any formal action would be given to focusing on uses of cookies where there is a low level of intrusiveness and risk of harm to individuals. The more directly the setting of a cookie relates to the user’s personal information, the more care has to exercised in getting consent. It includes practical advice for those trying to comply and deals with tricky issues including employees choices with regard to cookies. A series of questions are answered as part of the guidance. The document can be accessed on the ICO website.
JISC Legal has prepared an FAQ on the new cookies law. The FAQ is entitled - “What Does the New "Cookie" Legislation Require us to do? - How will new changes to the law affect Internet Cookies and how do we comply with such change?”