If you’re unaware, essentially, the law means that a website should warn or flag up the fact that cookies are being used to track visitors.

A 2015 report highlighted the fact that the UK uses more cookies than any other EU country.

But, how exactly are they letting us know?

Here’s an update on how some websites are following up on this, with compliance being broken into three categories:

  • The inclusion of a link to a privacy policy.
  • A small notice that cookies are being used.
  • A prominent banner or pop up.

The inclusion of a link to a privacy policy

Linkedin

Similar to the tactic used by Facebook, Linkedin’s cookie policy link (found just above the ‘join now’ button) is very easy to miss.

Apple

Even more out of sight, Apple includes its hyperlink at the very bottom of its homepage.

Buzzfeed

While the hyperlink is subtle (top-right), it does take you through to a rather comprehensive explanation of Buzzfeed’s stance on cookies.

Google

The world’s biggest website does want to remind you of its policy, however, you can put it off if you’d like…

A small notice that cookies are being used

Twitter

Twitter lets you know right off the bat that it uses cookies. Sign up and you agree.

Microsoft

Likewise, Microsoft uses the implied consent rule in order to let you know.

Tesco

Tesco’s updated policy is nicely flagged with a banner at the top of its homepage.

Missguided

Missguided puts a positive spin on its use of cookies, but still doesn’t give you much choice in the matter.

John Lewis

John Lewis does a similar thing, but this time gives you a hint that you can change it if you so desire.

Spotify

Spotify also uses the banner technique, succintly highlighting the fact that cookies are necessary for personalisation.

A prominent banner or pop up

BBC

The BBC has a more in-depth explanation of its cookie policy, including options to consent or change settings.

BT

BT takes a similar stance, using a pop-up on the bottom-right to bring the user’s attention to its policy.

Zara

Zara’s minimal design means that its pop-up is impossible to miss.

Coca Cola

Coca Cola’s notice is also prominent, taking the implied consent approach with a ‘continue’ button.

Channel 4

One of the most wordy examples I’ve come across, Channel 4 uses personalised language to reassure users of data protection and security.

Norton

Perhaps unsurprisingly, security software company Norton ensures that it users will notice its policy by using a pop-up notification.

Gordons

One of the sneakiest tactics is to get the user to consent to cookies at the same time as logging in, or in Gordons’ case, entering ID.

British Airways

British Airways does a similar thing, including a subtle note along with an option to choose language and country.

Hotel Chocolat

Hotel Chocolat’s clever play on words is a nice touch. However, the fact that the taskbar hides the bottom of the pop-up (and the link to the policy) is a pretty big fail.

Easyjet

Finally, one of the most prominent cookie policy pop-ups of all. EasyJet’s notice takes over half of the entire screen, meaning users cannot fail to miss it.

20 examples of EU cookie law ‘compliance’