In a thoroughly surreal development, the UK Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries yesterday stated in an open letter that “it is possible that consent [by a web user to accept cookies] may be given after or during processing.”
The letter was issued in an attempt to respond to widespread criticism of the chaotic way in which the amended Directive is being implemented in the UK.
On first reading, it seems to us that the letter achieves no new clarity on what’s expected of website owners. It’s certainly not helpful to try and redefine “consent” two days before the new regs come into effect.
We’ll be analysing the letter in more detail and publishing more advice… if we can work out what that advice should be!