Cookie Law Guidance Notes
These Cookie Law Guidance Notes explain the main UK rules on cookies and similar technologies, including the consent requirements under the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 and the UK GDPR.
They are designed for website owners who need practical guidance on when consent is required, how to distinguish strictly necessary cookies from other cookies and similar technologies, and how to present clear information and genuine user choice.
Understand cookie consent requirements for UK websites
The notes explain why most cookies and similar technologies require user consent, with the exception of those that are strictly necessary for a website to function properly.
They also look at the privacy and data protection issues that sit behind cookie compliance, including the broad meaning of personal data and the importance of valid consent.
What these guidance notes help you do
- understand the main UK cookie law rules affecting websites;
- assess when consent is required for cookies and similar technologies;
- explain cookie use clearly and in sufficient detail;
- give users meaningful control over cookie settings; and
- take a more practical, structured approach to cookie compliance.
Useful related templates
These notes work well alongside the Cookie Policy and the relevant website privacy policy template, such as Website Privacy Policy - Basic - No Cookies, Website Privacy Policy - First Party Cookies, or Website Privacy Policy - First & Third-Party Cookies + Analytics, depending on how your website operates.
For broader guidance on privacy information requirements, see the Privacy Information Guidance Notes.
Cookie Law Guidance Notes is part of Business . Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Business for 1 year.