Recently, when you visit a website, do you see pop-ups at the bottom of your phone or desktop talking about cookies? Have you clicked accept thinking that they would send you free cookies? Well, they aren’t giving out free cookies… Annoying, I know. What you are actually ‘accepting’ gives the website permission to download tiny data files to your device that store your user information. I know that sounds scary, but in reality, they have been doing this since the beginning of the internet. The good news is that we now have governing bodies helping to regulate this data collection, as people become more cautious about what is happening with their information (rightfully so).
What actually are cookies?
Cookies are tiny data files filled with small pieces of information (like a saved username and password or shopping cart contents) that are created when you visit a website. Those files are then placed on the user’s device and help improve browsing experience. The files on your device are used to remember you and your preferences because without them you would have to login or restock your shopping cart every time you return to a site. No one has time to find all 25 items you “weren’t” planning on buying all over again.
Why is this important now, and do I need a cookie policy and notification bar?
Cookies have been around since 1991, so why are we bringing this up now? While cookies can enhance the user’s experience, it can also put your private information in the wrong hands. The cookies that are downloaded to your device have your personal information attached to it, and if a third party were to access your cookies, you may not know what they plan to do with it.
In recent years various regulations have gone into effect, like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for that exact reason. These regulations require websites to inform their users how their information is being collected, used, and stored. (Check out our post, A Cookie Consent & Tracking Compliance Breakdown, for more fun compliance details.)
So short answer, yes, you need a cookie policy and notification bar to ensure that you are following current regulations and new ones as they continue to pop up.
How do I get a cookie policy and notification bar for my website?
It’s funny that you should ask. Here at Jollity, we have experienced developers who have spent a lot of time identifying the best solutions for cookie policy and notification bars.
With all new website development projects, we include a cookie policy and notification bar. If you are just looking for assistance on adding the notification bar to your current site, we can also help you there! Jollity provides prepaid and retainer WordPress development and support, so you always have access to a team of pros.
Well, now that you have cookies on the mind, go make some — but contact us first to make sure your website is up to date!
