Let’s dive into cookies.
No, I’m not talking about the yummy kind, I’m talking about the kind that go on your website.
Have you ever been shopping online, placed some items in your cart and accidentally closed the page? When you went back to the site, the items were still in your cart.
That’s because of a cookie.
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a simple text file that is put onto your computer by a website when you visit it. Most websites use cookies.
That information can be as simple as the website’s name and your IP address (a code that represents you as a user). Other information a cookie could leave includes the links you click, the amount of time you spend on a site, and which pages you visited.
Why do cookies exist?
To improve the experience of website visitors such as remembering items in your shopping cart. Sites like Amazon also use them to track the links you click so they can show you links to similar things in the future.
What’s the big deal? Why are cookies controversial?
Privacy is the issue. Some people don’t want to have any of their information stored. Some people don’t care as much.
You can prevent cookies from loading on a page by leaving the website. Some cookie notices allow you to refuse cookies and still view that website. Be aware that the page may not display correctly and it may be missing functionality.
How do you clear cookies?
Don’t forget that I said that cookies are stored on your computer. That means you can delete them. Go the settings of your internet browser and use the appropriate tool to remove cookies.
In Chrome, go to Settings by clicking on the 3 dots in the upper right corner. Select Privacy and Security and then choose ‘Clear browsing data’.
Before you clear your cookies, be aware that when do so, you will be logged out of most websites.
What does it mean for you as a website owner?
If you have a website, you likely use cookies. You might not know it but you do. You may never see any of this data but WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Kajabi and the vast majority of other website platforms do use cookies.
It’s very important that you notify your visitors that your website uses cookies.
Why?
Notification that you use cookies on your website is legally required if you or your clients are located in Europe or California.
This is governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in California. There is no overarching law for the US but some states have different requirements. Better safe than sorry.
Having a cookie notice is recommended here in Canada.
According to a global law firm, DLA Piper, rather than legislation specifically directed at cookies “cookies are regulated in Canada under anti-spam law CASL and privacy law.”
BUT they say having a cookie notice “is advisable, particularly given the significant penalties that can be levied under CASL.”
You can read the full article by clicking here.
By penalties, they mean financial penalties and they aren’t small.
According to the Government of Canada’s FightSpam website: “Penalties for the most serious violations of CASL can reach $1 million for individuals and $10 million for businesses.”
Good incentive to let people know you use cookies.
How do you tell people you use cookies?
You do that with a cookie notification.
What is a cookie notification?
A cookie notification is a little pop-up bar that usually shows up usually across the bottom of the page. Sometimes it’s at the top, sometimes it’s in a square somewhere on the page.
It tells visitors that your website uses cookies.
More complex cookie notifications have the option for users to refuse all cookies or limit the type of cookies that are used.
How do you get a cookie notification?
With WordPress it is relatively easy to add a cookie notice to your website. You use a plugin.
There are lots of plugins to choose from.
I currently prefer to use CookieYes | GDPR Cookie Consent & Compliance Notice (CCPA Ready) by WebToffee. The free version is sufficient for most coaches, healers and experts.
How to get a cookie notification for your website?
With WordPress it is relatively easy to add a cookie notice to your website. You use a plugin.
There are lots of plugins to choose from.
I currently prefer to use CookieYes | GDPR Cookie Consent & Compliance Notice (CCPA Ready) by WebToffee. The free version is sufficient for most coaches, healers and experts.
There are loads of other cookie notification plugins out there, both free and paid.
In summary, cookies help you surf the web and they help your web visitors have a better experience on your website. Let your visitors know you use cookies. You never know where your next client may live.
Just like a glass of milk is essential with your plate of cookies, you will also need a cookie policy to go with your cookie notice. More on that in a future blog post.