Political parties and cabinet break their own cookie rules

Thursday 07 June 2012

The websites of at least three of the parties which backed controversial legislation on the use of computer files known as cookies are breaking the new law, the Parool reports.

Since Tuesday it has been illegal for websites to install cookies on visitors' computers unless they have expressly given permission.

Cookies are small pieces of code which allow websites and advertisers to track user movements and remember information. Since Tuesday sites are supposed to warn users about the use of cookies and ask for permission to place them.

Political websites

But the PVV, PvdA and D66 sites are still installing cookies on users' computers without any warning, the paper says. The PvdA, which also supported the legislation, tells visitors it does use cookies but does not ask for permission, as the law requires.

Even the cabinet's website rijksoverheid.nl breaks the law. Its privacy statement states that users have to take action themselves to stop cookies being placed.

The Netherlands passed the legislation, which goes further than EU rules, last year but the start date of June 5 caught website owners by surprise.

Ironically, the most efficient way for websites to register whether or not visitors accept cookies is through a cookie itself, the advertisers association DDMA says.

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