Cookies are illegal in EU

[Dave A]

Do a search for the word "website" in that document. It only comes up three times and the context has nothing to do with websites requiring permission to place cookies. Then do a search for the word "cookie" - it only comes up once!

The entire directive is about public communication service providers and their communication networks, including standard voice, VOIP and data. In our lingo that's telecommunication companies and ISPs. It also deals with the distribution of marketing material over these services (via email, SMS, MMS and auto-dialers - not the browsing of websites). It's not that far removed from our Electronic Communications Act.

My read when it comes to cookies is that the directive is seeking to have these companies educate users via their websites and service contracts of the very feature in browsers you mentioned - editable cookie permissions. And editable pop-up permissions.

But even if what these scaremongers are suggesting was true, the answer is simple - just don't host your websites in the EU.

There is one section I would read on page 79 - something I'd like to see around the world -

4. In any event, the practice of sending electronic mail for the purposes of direct
marketing which disguise or conceal the identity of the sender on whose behalf the
communication is made, which contravene Article 6 of Directive 2000/31/EC, which
do not have a valid address to which the recipient may send a request that such
communications cease or which encourage recipients to visit websites that
contravene that Article shall be prohibited.

Thump those deceptive spamming bastards
There is no legitimate reason for a person to deliberately mislead where they are sending their email from.

I am sorry Dave maybe I should have gotten off my high horse and posted more rationally.

No need to apologise at all. The EU bureaucrats' reputation for being incredibly pedantic is well established. I understand the concern. I come from a background where my industry here is being affected by the EU biocidal directive. Last I heard they are starting to get a bit more practical with things nowadays. Ultimately they've got a penchant for legislation that can be expensive to comply with, but not entirely ridiculous.