Cookies
WHAT ARE COOKIES?
Cookies are small text files that websites place on the computers and mobile devices of people who visit those websites.
A Cookies Policy is the policy used to inform users about the use of cookies by a website or an app.
These files are then read by the website each time you return to the site. These text files allow a website to remember your device and how you interacted with the website, which is useful for a number of different purposes.
For example, cookies can be used to remember username and password information so that you don't have to re-enter all of your login information every time you visit a site you frequently log in to.
Other functions of cookies are to provide custom advertising to users based on searches and personal interests, as well as site performance cookies that enhance website use by remembering things such as custom video streaming or volume settings you have selected while using the website in the past.
What's a Cookies Policy
Policies are put into place on websites to help inform users of different, important topics.
For example, a Privacy Policy is used to inform users about the collection and use of any personal or private data, and a Refund/Returns Policy of an e-commerce store informs users of their rights and processes/procedures to return goods and obtain refunds.
A Cookies Policy is the policy where users can find detailed information about the types of cookies a website uses, how these cookies are used, and how users can control cookies placement through limiting or forbidding a website to place cookies on his/her electronic device.
A Privacy Policy will often include a section within it that covers Cookies. However, in the EU, having a fully separate Cookies Policy is required.
In this case, any information about cookies can also be placed in the Privacy Policy agreement but then referenced in the separate policy on cookies.
Requirements in the EU
Any EU business that uses cookies must comply with the EU Cookies Law, which requires a Cookie Policy to be in place. Visitors to your website must be alerted that cookies are in use, what kind of cookies are in use, and given the option to opt out of having these cookies placed on their devices.
A Cookie Policy is where this information can be thoroughly detailed and explained to your visitors.
While pop-up boxes and banner notifications alert users that cookies are being used and can allow for an option to opt out within that box or banner, this kind of policy is where further information can be detailed and presented to your visitors.
The EU's GDPR requires that you get consent to use most cookies, and having a cookie notification is the perfect way to do this.