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In Europe there are laws that restrict the usage of cookies (opt-out in some countries, opt-in in others (like the Netherlands)). This website proves how stupid

In Europe there are laws that restrict the usage of cookies (opt-out in some countries, opt-in in others (like the Netherlands)). This website proves how stupid that is. Letting politicians mess with technology is dangerous, at least they should be advised better. I understand everyone is worried about their privacy, but just outlawing cookies is NOT going to fix anything. Edit: I just looked up the Belgian "Telecommunication law" and article 129 talks about "The storage of information or accessing information that's already stored in the device of a user" [1] (Loose translation). So I guess it's very broad. [1] http://bit.ly/18DLvov http://bit.ly/18DLvov

andrewcooke 13y ago
i found a uk govt page describing this: "Regulation 6 covers the use of electronic communications networks to store information, eg using cookies, or gain access to information stored in the terminal equipment of a subscriber or user." which is more general than just cookies and would cover caching too. http://www.ico.org.uk/for_organisations/privacy_and_electronic_communications/the_guide/cookies http://www.ico.org.uk/for_organisations/privacy_and_electron...
- lucb1e 13y ago
  Indeed, this caching technique would be covered by "the cookie law". However cookies can be audited, but many images contain legitimate ETags. It's more difficult to detect when websites use this to track users, and I don't think any government agency is capable enough to check whether companies comply to the law.
  - deleted 13y ago
    [deleted]
martin-adams 13y ago
The ICO states the following: "When considering alternatives to cookies it is important to look at the broader privacy context. Focusing solely on cookies is missing the point." Source (page 25): http://www.ico.org.uk/for_organisations/privacy_and_electronic_communications/the_guide/~/media/documents/library/Privacy_and_electronic/Practical_application/cookies_guidance_v3.ashx http://www.ico.org.uk/for_organisations/privacy_and_electron... Personally I think the world would have been better served if they just put the law on browser makers and get them to provide a clear and consistent interface to whether a web site is tracking the user.

andrewcooke 13y ago

i found a uk govt page describing this: "Regulation 6 covers the use of electronic communications networks to store information, eg using cookies, or gain access to information stored in the terminal equipment of a subscriber or user." which is more general than just cookies and would cover caching too. http://www.ico.org.uk/for_organisations/privacy_and_electronic_communications/the_guide/cookies http://www.ico.org.uk/for_organisations/privacy_and_electron...

lucb1e 13y ago
Indeed, this caching technique would be covered by "the cookie law". However cookies can be audited, but many images contain legitimate ETags. It's more difficult to detect when websites use this to track users, and I don't think any government agency is capable enough to check whether companies comply to the law.
- deleted 13y ago
  [deleted]

martin-adams 13y ago

The ICO states the following: "When considering alternatives to cookies it is important to look at the broader privacy context. Focusing solely on cookies is missing the point." Source (page 25): http://www.ico.org.uk/for_organisations/privacy_and_electronic_communications/the_guide/~/media/documents/library/Privacy_and_electronic/Practical_application/cookies_guidance_v3.ashx http://www.ico.org.uk/for_organisations/privacy_and_electron... Personally I think the world would have been better served if they just put the law on browser makers and get them to provide a clear and consistent interface to whether a web site is tracking the user.