Internet's biggest annoyance: Cookie laws should target browsers, not websites (nednex.com)

Article summary

The article argues that the current implementation of cookie laws, which require websites to obtain user consent for data collection, is flawed and annoying for users. Instead, the burden of consent should be placed on browsers, allowing users to set their preferences once and have them enforced across all websites. This approach would simplify the user experience, reduce the burden on small website owners, and make enforcement easier for regulators. The article proposes a browser-based system where users can set their privacy preferences in plain English and have their browser enforce those choices.

Main themes

• Cookie laws
• Browser-based consent
• Data collection
• User experience
• Regulatory enforcement
• Online privacy

What commenters say

• The current cookie law implementation is a result of the training phase for GDPR, which has conditioned users to reflexively click 'Agree' to make popups disappear.
• Banning the unethical behavior of data collection and sale would be a more effective solution than the current consent-based approach.
• Some argue that the burden of consent should remain on websites, as they are the ones collecting and using the data, and that placing it on browsers would not solve the issue.
• Others propose that a browser-based system would be more effective in enforcing user preferences and reducing the annoyance of cookie banners.
• There are concerns that even with a browser-based system, websites may still find ways to track users and collect their data without consent.
• Some commenters suggest that the term 'partner' has lost its meaning and is often used to disguise the sale of user data to third-party companies.
• It is argued that the GDPR already mandates that personal data sharing should only be done for the stated purpose and not sold or shared for other reasons, but this is often not enforced.
• A few commenters propose that some data sharing is necessary, but it should be limited to legitimate uses and not used as a loophole for unnecessary data collection.