Europe's Cookie Nightmare is Crumbling

The EU's cookie consent policies have been an annoying and unavoidable part of browsing the web in Europe since their introduction in 2018. But the cookie nightmare is about to crumble thanks to some big proposed changes announced by the European Commission today. From a report: Instead of having to click accept or reject on a cookie pop-up for every website you visit in Europe, the EU is preparing to enforce rules that will allow users to set their preferences for cookies at the browser level. 'People can set their privacy preferences centrally -- for example via the browser -- and websites must respect them,' says the EU. 'This will drastically simplify users' online experience.'

This key change is part of a new Digital Package of proposals to simplify the EU's digital rules, and will initially see cookie prompts change to be a simplified yes or no single-click prompt ahead of the 'technological solutions' eventually coming to browsers. Websites will be required to respect cookie choices for at least six months, and the EU also wants website owners to not use cookie banners for 'harmless uses' like counting website visits, to lessen the amount of pop-ups.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.