Re: Mandatory UK Cookie Law for all Websites – Audit Tools & Possible Visitor Notice Solutions
BEFORE YOU LOOK AT THE SITES LISTED BELOW
Don’t forget to look at: http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_organisations/privacy_and_electronic_communications/the_guide/cookies.aspx.
Contains a ‘must watch’ short video and a link to download a 31 pages guidance pdf. One important point is that, only days before the law became operational on 26th May 2012, the government changed their view that explicit opt-in was needed (before cookies can be used) to what is called ‘implicit consent’ and http://www.cookielaw.org/blog/2012/8/9/do-not-track,-the-cookie-law-and-ie10.aspx
1. http://www.ghostery.com/
Found last but this tool is just wonderful at easily finding everything that adds cookies on a website – with links to details of the source of each. It can also be configured to block most of the well known applications – currently 820 different ones – that add cookies and (selectively or globally) block them.
2. http://www.cookielaw.org/
Download ‘Optanon’ (top right on home page) – an extension for Google Chrome. It can be enabled and disabled while still being installed as an extension. Once installed and enabled, it appears as a blue star like icon – left click the icon and a pop down menu explains how to use it.
This site is naturally in the lobby for a comprehensive action – because they sell an expensive service to maintain compliance with the Cookie Law.
3. http://www.attacat.co.uk/resources/cookies
Provides a ‘Cookie Audit Tool’ that is installed as a Chrome extension. Nice little video explaining their system. They take a softer approach to meeting the law – essentially their tool helps you to produce a site specific page outlining what cookies are used on your website and directing people to this using an image which simply says that your site uses cookies.
4. http://www.bitstorm.org/extensions/view-cookies/. Firefox specific.
5. http://silktide.com/cookieconsent
6. http://cookies.dev.wolf-software.com/
I think you may like some of this sites ideas on meeting the cookie law
Refer-On.com and the EU Cookie Directive
Filed under: Business Networking, Members News, Refer-On News
In May 2011, the EU issued the Cookie Directive, which states that all websites must gain the explicit permission of visitors to place cookies on their machines. The UK was given 12 months to comply with this directive and that 12 months runs out on 26th May 2012, at which point the EU Cookie Directive becomes enforceable in law.
The Cookie Directive is intended to protect the privacy of web site visitors, giving them the option of refusing cookies should they wish, if those cookies might collect or distribute personal information to other sites or services.
What is a Cookie?
A cookie, also known as an HTTP cookie, web cookie, or browser cookie, is a piece of data stored as a text file on a computer or other device when you visit a website. See this Wikipedia Article for more detail.
Whilst many sites do not use cookies at all, anything with a login, or sharing add-ons (like some Facebook Like and Tweet this buttons), or a shopping basket, or that uses tracking software like Google Analytics, does. Cookies are also used to track user preferences, and in some cases to serve up context specific advertising.
What about Refer-On.com
Refer-On.com only uses two types of cookies, those that are ‘strictly necessary’ for the functioning of the site and some ‘performance cookies’ used to monitor web site traffic and usage (Google Analytics) and to provide user specific content once registered and logged into the site (WordPress).
In order to comply with the EU Cookie Directive, Refer-On Ltd has updated it’s privacy policy to include more details about cookies and which ones are used on this site, and provided information on how to ‘opt-out’ if so desired.
We have also added some additional text to our registration page to ensure that site visitors are aware that addition ‘performance cookies’ will be used when they register and/or log onto the site, these additional cookies are only used if a user registers on Refer-On.com, not before.
All information stored in cookies by Refer-On Ltd is anonymous, does not identify the user and is not shared with third party sites unless otherwise stated (Google Analytics).
For more information please view our updated Privacy Policy or get in touch.
Keith Wootton
keith@kennetiq.com
Refer-On
Refer-On Reading: Your Business and Social Media
On February 23 the Refer-On Reading hub will be hosting an ‘open to all‘ visitors meeting with a workshop and presentation from Guy Outram of Go Consultancy: Your Business and Social Media
This will be an introduction to the mini-series that Guy will be running over the coming weeks and months.
The Refer-On Reading hub meets at The Mill House Restaurant & Hotel in Swallowfield, just a few miles south of Reading near junction 11 of teh M4.
A full English or continental breakfast will be provided, the cost of breakfast including the meeting in £12 (incl VAT).
For more information or to book your place please contact hub chairman Keith Wootton
Refer-On Launches New Website
Filed under: Business Networking, Members News, Refer-On News
As of October 20th 2012, phase 2 of a multi-phase web site development plan was released. The main changes being about the second stage of Refer-On development.
As of 9pm of May 24th 2011, phase 1 of a multi-phase web site development plan was released onto the internet and work on additional features and functionality is already being tested behind the scenes that will ultimately enhance the benefits available to not only Refer-On members, but users of the web site as a whole.
Phase 1 is reasonably straight forward and involved moving the existing site onto a new software platform to enable future development plans to be realised and in some cases actually make them achievable. This has now been completed and the result is what you are seeing now!
Although the previous Refer-On site had it’s own content management system (CMS) it was still a relatively static site in terms of content and didn’t carry the functionaliy to enable two way communications with Refer-On and web site users, or do much to embrace social networking.
These are the main concepts that have been addressed with the release of phase 1 as it now contains it’s own blog that will carry Refer-On and general networking news, as well as being available to Refer-On members, becoming a very powerful members benefit. The blog has also been linked to various social networking sites so new blog posts get published to a far wider audience than simply web site visitors. The site is also now much easier to use with simplified navigation and styling.
Development and testing of future site updates are already underway and will include even more social network integration, online Refer-On member profiles, direct registration, booking and payment for Refer-On events, an online Refer-On members forum and access to an online CRM system to help Refer-On members manage their customers and contacts.
The site is being developed by Keith Wootton of Kennetiq based in Reading, in conjunction with Barry Saunders of Eurocom Research based near Marlow, for CRM integration.
The Refer-On management team would very much like to receive feedback and comments on the new site so please register and add your comments below!
Refer-On News
Watch out for the Hub Showcase on 9th May 2011. Lots of Networking with a small exhibition and 3 presentations. Where is the economy going and the impact on your business – Philip Rose of Shirlaws coaching. Sue Roberts – creating success by being you. Tony Thornby – The new Linkedin and your business. The event will be at Adam’s Park, the home of Wycombe Wanderers and London Wasps. Call us for details or book online.
Marlow and Henley were featured in a ITV thriller “lowercase” recently. Both our venues featured in the story. Crowne Plaza, Marlow and Leander Club, Henley.
The Hub Showcase was a success, great feedback. 10 of us went on a conducted tour of the Club. Are true Football Clubs are judged by the size of their baths?
Wycombe Wanderers were promoted to Division One. Congratulations. Winning a championship is hard, I know I spent 6 years trying to win a racing championship.
Join us on…
