Cookie banners are now a familiar, and sometimes irritating, part of using the internet. However, not all are compliant, particularly with the new rules which came into effect earlier this year.
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA) amended the rules regarding cookies under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), which came into force on 5th February 2026. The ICO updated its guidance on 29th April 2026 regarding the changes to cookie laws under the DUAA.
a {
text-decoration: none;
color: #464feb;
}
tr th, tr td {
border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;
}
tr th {
background-color: #f5f5f5;
}
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files created by a web server when replying to a website request. The users device stores cookies and returns the information when another request is made to that web server.
Cookies are used to increase the efficiency of a websites operation and to inform the website operator. Uses of cookies include:
- Recognising a users device;
- Recalling the contents of a basket during online shopping;
- Helping users log in to a website;
- Examining traffic to a website; or
- Tracing users browsing behaviours.
