UK sites fail privacy test
Ninety-eight percent of top UK websites don’t give enough information about cookies, or provide single-click opt-outs, says a British research company.
And they’re breaking new rules calling for them to do more to protect web users’ privacy.
"Companies are either not aware of the legislation, or are ignoring it," says WebAbacus’ Ian Thomas in a BBC story here.
The UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulation – which also also aims to control spam – became effective last Thursday, and the Information Commissioner which enforces the regulationswas "very surprised" so many websites weren’t doing what’s required, sxays the Beeb.
"There should be transparency. People should know what is going on with the information collected about them," Phil Jones, assistant information commissioner, told BBC News Online.
SURVEY RESULTS
24%: No privacy policy
12%: Privacy policy, but no information about cookies
53%: Privacy policy, with information about cookies (might include reference to blocking cookies through a browser)
8%: Privacy policy, with information about cookies and detailed instruction blocking cookies through a browser
2%: Single click opt-out (compliant)
