Hello, There is new law in the UK that all websites have to ask the user to say YES to cookies or the website owner can face a fine. First thing is does buzztouch self hosted use cookies? (I am sure it does) The second thing is how do i add this tool (http://www.civicuk.com/cookie-law/index) into my self hosted buzztouch server? Many Thanks Cameron

First thing is does buzztouch self hosted use cookies? (I am sure it does) Yes, but only you directly use the server. If you add users, provide disclosure and consent in your agreement. Fred

Does the law apply to apps? This is not a Buzztouch question, but a mobile app question. If your app takes users to pages using cookies, Then you should disclose in your Google Play or iTunes app page and perhaps in your app's about page. Perhaps a Splash screen requiring consent. Not sure if Apple's or Google's app guidelines covers cookies. Now another question is, 'Does the law cover localStorage?' (Think cookies on steroids) Fred

Terminology and definitions The Regulations apply to cookies and also to similar technologies for storing information. This could include, for example, Local Shared Objects (commonly referred to as “Flash Cookies”), web beacons or bugs (including transparent or clear gifs). A cookie is a small file, typically of letters and numbers, downloaded on to a device when the user accesses certain websites. Cookies allow a website to recognise a user’s device. My understanding is that the law applies to apps that takes users to a website. Note this is different from the app's use of permission for use of local storage on the device. Fred

@Fred - You're totally missing the point of the question. He's asking if the self-hosted BT Server software uses cookies when visitors (any...admin or otherwise) visit the site. It it does (and it's likely it does, give that it can remember your login information), then a notice has to be displayed to the user notifying them of that effect, and opting out of cookie usage. We're not talking about apps here, and, in the UK, it's the law to make sure the WEBSITE enforces the cookie regulations. Nothing to do with Apple, Google, or "local storage." @Cameron - Checking into this for you, and hope to have an answer that you can implement (or know that there is no answer!). Mark

@Mark, point was not missed. First thing is does buzztouch self hosted use cookies? (I am sure it does) Yes, but only you directly use the server. If you add users, provide disclosure and consent in your agreement. Point was answered, and expanded upon. Point Fred 2 Point Mark 0 Fred

Agreed...I did miss the veiled reply to the question. It was all the extra stuff in your second and third posts that led me astray. Fred did indeed answer the basic question in his first response. Mark

Reply is not 'veiled', it was simple and direct to the point. Sometimes extra words are not needed. But the original post brings up the excellent question regarding cookies and apps. We, as in app developers, need to fairly disclose use of cookies, which is not covered by permissions. Fred

If the self-hosted BT Server software uses cookies when visitors (any...admin or otherwise) visit the site. It it does, then a notice has to be displayed to the user notifying them of that effect, and opting out of cookie usage. The self-hosted BT Server does use cookies, An organisation based in the UK is likely to be subject to the requirements of the Regulations even if their website is technically hosted overseas. Buzztouch is not based on the UK. Organisations based outside of Europe with websites designed for the European market, or providing products or services to customers in Europe, should consider that their users in the UK and Europe will clearly expect information and choices about cookies to be provided. Perhaps a cookie disclosure I'm the Self-hosting package. The owner of the Self-hosted, if based on the UK, would need to disclose and get consent from users of their server. We're not talking about apps here, Yes we are, the law covers more than websites. Nothing to do with Apple, Google, or "local storage." Again, the law covers more than websites. "Uses Permission" disclosure in the app doesn't cover websites (HTML docs using localStorage is not included by the "Uses Permissions", but is covered by the law. ), therefore additional disclosure is required. Fred

@Mark Thank I look foreward to hearing from you. I can not find anything that says my apps need to have consent, But it may be another law that comes in at a later date. From what i have gathered form you both, my site needs some way for users to say yes to cookies and permissions but my apps dont? Am i right? Thank you for asking this question Fred, that was going to be my future quesion Many Thanks Cameron

my site needs some way for users to say yes to cookies and permissions Are you adding users to your Control Panel? If so, disclose and put consent into your TOS for use of Control Panel. If not, then you don't need to do anything. but my apps dont? My point is yes you must include disclosure and consent if your app uses cookies, sessionStorage, localStorage, dbStorage, Flash Storage. Most likely your using one of these forms of storage or your using a HTMl doc or Custom URL. If the Custom URL takes you to a website using cookies you as the UK developer must disclose. Now you get into some interesting scenarios depending on where the site is located and do they disclose and get consent or not. But as I understand the law, even HTML docs embedded on the app are covered by the law. Am i right? No. See above. Fred

Apple & Cookies http://www.apple.com/privacy/use-of-cookies/