A continuation of policy directives for the European Union Member States as set forth in the Data Protection Directive. It has been amended by the Cookie Directive 2009/136EC, which added a requirement that all websites using tracking cookies obtain user consent unless the cookie is “strictly necessary for the delivery of a service requested by the use.” This policy recognizes the importance of cookies for the functioning of modern websites while still making users aware of any tracking the user may not want to participate in.

Link to text of law: Directive on Privacy and Electronic Communications Act 2002/58EC

Acronyms: ePrivacy Directive, Cookie Directive
Associated term(s): Data Protection Directive