UK Regulations
The are various laws and regulations which apply to the use of cookies of websites. The most recent changes relate to new the Data Protection Act 2018, which incorporate EU directives relating to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
Before the GDPR changes, the rules surrounding the use of cookies were from an amended E-Privacy Directive of 2009. Each EU country then were require to amend their laws accordingly.
The UK introduced the amendments on 25 May 2011 through The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) (Amendment) Regulations 2011. The relevant section is below:
6. – (1) Subject to paragraph (4), a person shall not store or gain information, or to gain access to information stored, in the terminal equipment of a subscriber or user unless the requirements of paragraph (2) are met.
(2) The requirements are that the subscriber or user of that terminal equipment –
(a) is provided with clear and comprehensive information about the purposes of the storage of, or access to, that information; and
(b) has given his or her consent.
(3) Where an electronic communications network is used by the same person to store or access information in the terminal equipment of a subscriber or user on more than one occasion, it is sufficient for the purposes of this regulation that the requirements of paragraph (2) are met in respect of the initial use.
(3A) For the purposes of paragraph (2), consent may be signified by a subscriber who amends or sets controls on the internet browser which the subscriber uses or by using another application or programme to signify consent.
(4) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the technical storage of, or access to, information –
(a) for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network; or
(b) where such storage or access is strictly necessary for the provision of an information society service requested by the subscriber or user.
Other articles:
Understanding GDPR and Cookie Compliance
Understanding CCPA and Cookie Compliance