What’s in Your Cookie Notice?

Posted 17 July 2024

Since 2018, companies have been required to get visitors’ consent for collecting their personal browsing data through cookie notices. While everyone wants to protect their privacy, many see the cookie notice as an annoying extra step — the infamous fine print that no one reads. It’s understandable because, from a cookie perspective, a cookie notice doesn’t seem appealing but rather like a dry tea biscuit.

Privacy legislation is a hot topic. Advertisers face more and more rules, and giants like Facebook and Google are under scrutiny. That’s why they are increasingly checking whether the rules are being followed.

The Consequences of an Incomplete Cookie Notice

Google does not immediately remove websites from search results if they do not comply with GDPR rules and regulations. Google indexes websites based on their content and relevance to search queries. Compliance with GDPR affects the privacy aspects of the website, such as the use of cookies.

However, Google prioritises providing users with a good experience. If a website’s lack of GDPR compliance affects user trust, this can indirectly impact the website’s ranking in search results. Google emphasises the importance of transparency and a positive user experience.

It is always up to website owners to ensure they comply with privacy laws, including the GDPR. The crux of the matter is that a user should always know what data a website stores about them in a cookie. This could be clicks or information about interests from advertisements.

Google’s primary goal is to provide users with valuable and relevant search results. If a website does not comply with GDPR or other privacy regulations, this may affect users’ trust in that website. Google can provide warnings and information to inform users about privacy settings. However, it is always up to website owners to ensure they comply with privacy laws, including the GDPR. The key point is that a user should always know what data a website stores about them in a cookie. This could include clicks or information about interests from advertisements.

Get a Cookie Scan Now!

A cookie notice that meets legal requirements is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What needs to be in your cookie notice depends on which cookies you use and how you use them. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure this out on your own; we’d be happy to take an expert look at your cookie usage. Get a Radyus Cookie Scan now and keep the cookie monster out!