Cookies have earned a bad rap over the years. And yet, they are a necessary evil.
eCommerce firms use this information to retarget their customers by showing ads of their searched products on different websites. In addition, cookies let the website remember visitors by their log-in details, shopping carts, etc. Finally, there are HTTP cookies, which are used to enhance the web browsing experience.
From personalized browsing to offering suggestions on eCommerce websites, cookies come in three main variants:
1. Session Cookies – Considered the safest form of web cookies, these cookies store information temporarily or for a ‘session.’ When the session ends, the transformation of information via the cookies ends as well.
2. Persistent Cookies – A permanent variety, Persistent cookies help maintain the user preferences. You can think of these cookies as information to authenticate a device to stay logged in while navigating a website. In addition, these cookies track multiple visits to the same webpage.
3. Supercookies, Evercookies, and Zombie Cookies – These routines replicate themselves even after the browse cache is cleared. Delete one, and they’ll continue to exist in several other locations.
Cookies are also categorized as –
1. First Party Cookies – They are created by the company running the website. They usually are safe till you’re browsing reputed websites. After that, if the website is compromised or is not HTTPS, it could lead to data loss.
2. Third-Party Cookies – They are not made by the website you’re currently browsing but by third parties. They are generally used for retargeting by showing ads and user behavior.
What is Cookie Consent?
Cookie consent is the term for – when the users consent to let a website activate its cookie and tracers that process personal data. It is mandatory on a legal basis under GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) for websites to collect, process, or share the personal data of individuals under the EU.
When your site is using cookies, you are required to declare it to your customers and ensure the security and confidentiality of their data. For instance, you cannot sell it to other entities.
When do you require cookie consent?
Does your company manage your user’s data?
You’ll need to install a cookie banner on your website and take permission from your users before you start tracking their activities.
Does your website use Google Analytics?
You’ll require a cookie consent banner in this case as well.
Here are a few examples of cookie consent notice, which lets users give GDPR-friendly consent to the use of cookies.
1. Castor and Pollux
Castor and Pollux have a simple cookie consent banner, which is non-obtrusive and captures the visitors’ attention. The wordplay on cookies makes the banner more appealing for the users. In addition, the CTA button is highlighted in a contrasting color, making it stand out.
2. The Guardian
The news website uses a highly detailed, descriptive cookie consent banner in the footer. It urges visitors to provide consent by clicking ‘Yes, I’m happy’ or tweak a few things as per their preferences. Without making this choice, the visitors cannot proceed with browsing the site.
3. PUMA
Puma uses a floating banner at the footer. Visitors can check out the additional information through the ‘Click here for more information’ or directly agree to the preset choice with the ‘I Agree’ CTA button.
4. Financial Times
Financial Times uses the corner box method. In addition, the text in the notice indicates that their cookies keep the site reliable and secure and use them for advertising and personalizing the content as per the visitors’ preferences.
The site also provides a link to its Cookies Policy and an option to tweak cookie preferences by clicking ‘Manage cookies.’
5.ORANGE
The logo of orange is presently placed in their cookie banner also. They give you a choice by providing two buttons. One is to accept all the cookies, and the other is to customize your preferences.
6. KINDER
Kinder chooses to be on the bright side instead of darkening the website with the cookie consent pop-up. As a result, it works well, especially for visitors who don’t want to browse the website without consenting to the cookies.
7. BRITISH AIRWAYS
British Airways uses a no bells and whistles approach for its cookie consent notice. The site redirects visitors to the terms and conditions and the use of cookies through simple, straightforward messaging via a sleek banner on the top.
These are some of the examples of cookie banners used across various websites. While you have multiple options for how and where to display the cookie consent notice on your website, you need to consider the following points:
• Prominently display the notice at the first visit
• Provide the site visitors an explicit opt-in action
• Display the link to a detailed Cookies Policy or relevant settings pages
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