EU Cookie Directive and XMS Systems
Most people will know about the controversial "EU Cookie Directive" that was passed into law recently.
The directive is actually an extension of the "Data Protection Act"
Although I am personally against this legislation and feel that it is uncalled for, XMS Systems implemented a method that will notify the visitor that your website makes use of cookies.
The legislation was changed to allow for different "levels" of notification.
- Information only / Implied Consent
Informs users the site is using cookies. They are given no option to opt out. - Implicit
Informs users the site is using cookies and they are given the option to opt out. - Explicit
Informs users the site would like to use cookies and they are given the option to opt in.
Because we believe the cookie legislation is unfair and we support a free and open Internet XMS Systems makes use of the "Information Only / Implied Consent" method.
Reason for this is if a company is located outside of the EU with no EU presence they can get away with not complying to the legislation as the are not "directly" targeting visitors in the EU. They will thus be able to more efficiently gather data about the visitors and customise their websites accordingly.
We believe that it is time every Internet user starts to take responsibility for their own actions and learn how to configure their web browsers to allow or disallow cookies.
According to statistics in July 2010 42% of the United Kingdom population were using Facebook. Without allowing cookies they would not be able to access and use Facebook.
XMS Systems uses cookies to see if a user is logged in and to manage certain display features. XMS Systems can track users movements in the website with Google Analytics. Google Analytics does not record where the user is coming from or where thy are going to when they leave your website. Google Analytics do allow you to see what pages on your site are popular and what pages needs to be worked on.
The Cookie control function can be enabled under the security tab in your website administration section.
We suggest the following text for the notification window.
This site uses some unobtrusive cookies to store information on your computer.
Some cookies on this site are essential, and the site won't work as expected without them.If you're not happy with this you can adjust your browser settings but some nice features of the site may be unavailable. Some cookies on this site are essential, and the site won't work as expected without them. These cookies are set when you submit a form, login or interact with the site by doing something that goes beyond clicking on simple links.
We also use some non-essential cookies to anonymously track visitors or enhance your experience of the site.
The text "...adjust your browser settings..." can be linked to this URL "http://www.aboutcookies.org/Default.aspx?page=1" to show the user how to configure their web browser.