Accept cookies? It is around this question that the review revolves.
Recently, the Swedish Post and Telecommunications Authority, PTS, has reviewed four websites to see if the design of their cookie banner is legal. But none of the websites get approved, according to the review.
– It was often more difficult to say no to cookies than yes. Then users can be pushed to agree because it’s the easiest without knowing what they’re agreeing to. Most people just want to get rid of that annoying box, says Anna Montelius, a lawyer at PTS.
Tele2 and Swedbank worst in class
The websites that were reviewed belong to the Swedish Consumer Agency, the Norwegian Public Health Agency, Tele2 and Swedbank. The last two get the most comments. In addition to the fact that it is too complicated to refuse cookies, it is also too difficult to withdraw consent that has already been given. And the information about which cookies are collected is substandard, PTS believes.
– It could very well be that they did their best, but it could also be that they would like to place cookies and hope that people will choose the yes option, says Anna Montelius.
The tip of an iceberg
For companies, cookie data is often important and a potential cash cow. It makes it possible to remember your surfing habits and track you between websites, which is absolutely central to being able to target advertising and content to you.
However, in order to store cookie data, websites must obtain voluntary and informed consent. It is to protect your personal privacy, so that companies will not be allowed to collect information about you and spread it without your knowledge and approval.
PTS suspects that more websites than those examined have an illegal cookie design
The websites have until September 8 to submit objections to PTS’ remarks. In October, however, they must have remedied the deficiencies, otherwise there may be fines. The companies and authorities behind the audited websites have declined an interview with SVT.