At the beginning of 2013, the amended ZEKom-1 (Electronic Communications Act) came into effect, introducing new rules regarding the use of cookies (ang.: cookies), which are stored on users' personal computers, tightening the rules on the use of cookies. What needs to be arranged on websites and stores by 15.6.2013?
The Electronic Communications Act (Article 157 ZEKom-1) requires all website owners using cookies (ang.: cookies) to obtain user consent for their use. In practice, this means that practically all website owners need such consent, as most use cookies.
Website owners using cookies will now have to obtain visitor consent to agree to the use of cookies. An exception is cookies that are essential for the operation of the website, or the operation cannot be arranged otherwise.
If your website uses services such as Google Analytics, Google Remarketing, social network tracking cookies, or other cookies that are not essential for the operation of the services themselves or the flow of information, you must obtain consent from your website visitors from 15.6.2013 onwards for the use of cookies of such services.
What does the law require from website owners?
The new law requires the website owner to ensure that the user is provided with the following information:
- What cookies the website uses,
- for what purpose they are collected, and
- how they are used
The user will have to agree to the use of cookies if they wish to have a full user experience on the site.
Example of using a cookie warning module on the Magento platform can be viewed at the link below.
What are cookies and why are they useful?
What are cookies
Cookies are small text files that most websites store on users' devices with which they access the internet to recognize individual devices used by users when accessing.
A cookie itself does not contain or collect information. However, if read by a server together with a web browser, it can help the website perform user-friendly services. Cookies allow us to obtain data on the number of website visitors, new and previous visitors, website usage, etc., which allows us to upgrade and adapt the website to the needs and goals of users.
Their storage is under the complete control of the user, as they can limit or disable cookie storage in the browser they use.
Why are cookies necessary?
Cookies are essential for providing user-friendly online services. The most common e-commerce functions would not be possible without cookies.
The interaction between the web user and the website is faster and easier with the help of cookies. They help the website remember individual preferences and experiences, saving time and making browsing more efficient and enjoyable.
Why do websites use cookies?
Most websites use cookies as a convenient means of maintaining fresh and appropriate content in line with the interests and preferences of individual web users. There are several reasons for using cookies, firstly their ability to store data about the state of a particular website (details about customizations of a particular website), help in performing various online services (online stores), help in collecting various statistics about web user habits – as only with them can the frequency of visiting a particular website be monitored.
Companies can use cookies to assess the effectiveness of their website design, as well as the appropriateness of the type and number of ads they offer users on their websites.
