EU Says Websites Can’t Force Viewers to Accept Cookies for Viewing Content

Ever came across a website that blocked you from viewing content because you didn’t tap on the “Accept Cookies” button? Well, if you happen to live in Europe and a website does this to you, it will be a violation of GDPR norms and the website can be fined for such behaviour.

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has published new consent guidelines that make it clear that “cookie walls” are against EU’s data protection norms. The new norms say user consent is required for storing information, but blocking them from viewing content without accepting cookies is a form of consent that is not freely given, and is thus against guidelines.

The EU has also made it clear that simply scrolling or swiping a website does not amount to giving consent for tracking users. So, if a website enables tracking cookies as soon as users scroll the webpage without agreeing to the “Accept Cookies” prompt will attract regulatory action.