What is this cookie notice template?
Cookies in short: As a business in the digital age, you’ll most likely be enjoying the benefits of a website. As a result, you’re likely to be familiar with cookies (sometimes referred to as "tracking technologies") – small blocks of data downloaded onto a computer or other device when a user visits a website. Some of these are simply necessary for the site to function, while others are used to collect data on website visitors in order to analyse their behaviour or send targeted marketing to them.
Cookie notice is required: To comply with data protection laws in the UK, if your website avails of cookies, you’ll need to include a cookie notice on your website. This cookie notice is a statement which explains to visitors of that website which cookies the company uses and how they use them, in connection with collecting and processing the visitor’s personal data.
Assumptions: This cookie notice template assumes that your website uses cookies – most websites do, even if they are just essential for the functioning of the site, or third party cookies like Google Analytics. This cookie notice template also assumes that your company is incorporated in, and your website operates in the UK, and that English law applies.
What should a cookies notice include?
Clear and comprehensive: UK data protection laws require individuals to be provided with 'clear and comprehensive information' about cookies. To be 'clear and comprehensive', the information should cover:
- the cookies you intend to use, including their technical name (e.g. "_ga" for Google Analytics or "leo_auth_token" for LinkedIn Widgets);
- the purposes for which you intend to use them - as cookies are split into different categories (e.g. Analytical cookie, Performance cookie, Marketing cookie), you must be clear on which types of cookies are being used and why;
- any third parties who may also process information stored in or accessed from the user’s device; and
- the duration of any cookies you wish to set - cookies can either be session cookies which only last a short time and end when a browser is closed, or persistent cookies which remain on a device for longer (these are the type of cookies that allow websites to remember a user's details when they log back onto them).
Cookie preferences: it is also very important that you tell website visitors how they can manage their cookie preferences on your website, so that they can consent to and disable cookies as they wish.
Using Docue's dynamic cookie notice template will ensure that you don't miss any of the information that is required to comply with UK data protection laws.
What types of cookies are there?
Know the different cookie types: almost every website uses cookies to some extent. However, there are a number of different types of cookies that can be used, and your cookie notice should be clear on which specific types are used on your website:
- Necessary cookies are cookies which help the website to run properly (when they are strictly necessary cookies it means their only function is to help the website work);
- Performance / functionality cookies help a website owner understand and analyse how a user uses a website, in order to personalise content and remember user preferences;
- Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, etc; and Marketing / advertising cookies tailor online adverts to reflect the content you have previously browsed and help inform companies about your interests so they can show you relevant adverts.
Find our more about the different types of cookies here.
What else is needed to make my website compliant with cookie rules?
Cookie banner: Except in relation to strictly necessary cookies, a user must be given the opportunity to consent (or not consent) to the use of cookies. This is usually done via a cookies banner (i.e. a pop-up that gives the user the option to consent to cookies via a tick box or sliding tab). More information about cookies and consent can be found here.
Why Docue?
Dynamic template: Docue’s cookie notice template allows you to create a top-quality document in minutes. The cookie notice template includes model clauses designed by privacy lawyers to help you draft the cookie notice yourself and tailor it to your needs.
Stay up to date: Docue's cookie notice template is maintained by qualified lawyers, so that it is kept up to date and complies with current legislation.
Easy to use: With Docue, you can handle all your data protection and privacy matters in one place. All of your documents can be stored in Docue Drive, our secure storage vault, Docue Drive, when prepared.
Tags: cookie notice, cookie notice template, cookie notice & compliance, website cookie notice, cookie notice for gdpr
