Global law firm Dentons, with the support of the Nextlaw Referral Network, has launched the Europe Cookie Law Comparison tool to assist users in understanding their legal and data privacy obligations with respect to the use of internet cookies across 28 countries in Europe. Of particular relevance are the insights on the requirements for obtaining consent for the use of cookies, a process which has caused frustration and controversy among website owners and visitors alike.
The tool is free and available at: https://publisher.dentons.com/experience/europe-cookie-law-comparison-tool
A cookie is a small text file that is stored in a user’s “terminal equipment” (e.g. a computer or smartphone) used to access online services.
Based on European Union law, “Cookie law” has been implemented across the Member States with variations between jurisdictions. Pending the adoption of the new ePrivacy Regulation, various data protection authorities across Europe have issued additional specific local guidelines and/or measures. The cookie law also applies to other technology that stores or accesses information on a user’s device (e.g. device fingerprinting). The tool will help to navigate the fragmented regulation across 28 countries in Europe.
When implementing or updating a cookie-based project, this tool provides a single source of information, allowing you to compare relevant regulations in the various European countries where you operate. This allows you to quickly assess your position and determine the appropriate next steps.
The interactive online tool answers frequently asked questions in relation to cookies in an ever-changing regulatory context. Users can compare and contrast up to three countries at a time and immediately share these via email with their colleagues.
We see this tool as the first point of call for the legal and compliance personnel of globally active companies, who need to comply with privacy and other laws applicable to cookies and similar technologies across multiple jurisdictions in Europe.
Dentons lawyers contributed the legal analysis for Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and the UK. In addition, several law firms from the Nextlaw Referral Network contributed content for specific jurisdictions: CHSH (Austria), Wolf Theiss (Bulgaria), Antoniou McCollum & Co. (Cyprus), Cacic & Partners (Croatia), Lundgrens (Denmark), Derling (Estonia), Krogerus (Finland), Kyriakides Georgopoulos (Greece), LK Shields (Ireland), Kronbergs Čukste Levin (Latvia), Ellex Valiunas (Lithuania), GVZH Advocates (Malta), PLMJ (Portugal), Karanovic & Partners (Slovenia), and Setterwalls (Sweden).
