For the placement of tracking cookies, which track users' browsing behavior across different websites, it is required by law to ask permission via a cookie banner. In doing so, you must clearly explain which cookies you place and what functionalities the cookies have. You must also tell what happens if the visitor refuses these cookies. This is because some functions may work less or no longer work on the website if the cookies are refused.
Consent is not always required when setting functional cookies, which are necessary for the operation of the website. For example, these cookies are useful for remembering user names, preferred language or shopping cart contents. This improves the user experience without sharing personal data with outside parties.
The use of analytical cookies, which are used to measure the quality and effectiveness of the website without infringing on privacy also requires consent. These are cookies that show, for example, how visitors navigate through the website, how long they stay on a page and what content they find interesting on the website. This can help the website owner improve the website. However, it is important that this data is not used to track individual users or to create profiles of users.
A properly implemented cookie banner provides transparency to your visitors and helps you comply with privacy laws. It gives visitors control over their data and builds trust in your brand and website. By clearly communicating which cookies you use and why, you not only create a better user experience, but also protect your visitors' privacy and comply with legal requirements.
Yes, a cookie banner is mandatory for almost all websites that use cookies. For both first-party and third-party cookies, the website must inform visitors and, in many cases, explicitly ask for consent. This obligation stems from the European ePrivacy Directive (the "cookie law") and is reinforced by the AVG (GDPR). Only strictly necessary functional cookies that are essential for the functioning of the website do not require explicit consent. Moreover, there must be an option to easily withdraw consent. Failure to comply with these rules can result in significant fines.
A cookie banner is not required if your site does not use cookies. These are often simple static Web sites, information pages or specially privacy-oriented platforms. They use server-side technology or alternative storage methods instead of cookies. These websites do not need to display a cookie banner, but as a result they lack functionality such as remembering preferences, storing login information and analyzing visitor behavior. However, most modern websites use at least some functional cookies for a better user experience.
There is no obligation to refuse cookies. Rather, cookie laws are designed to give users freedom of choice. As a website visitor, you have the right to accept or reject cookies, but there is no legal obligation to reject them. The cookie banner provides this choice, allowing you to decide which cookies you allow. For non-essential cookies (such as tracking and marketing cookies), the website must ask your permission before setting them. Functional cookies, which are necessary for the operation of the website, can also be placed without explicit permission. Thus, the choice always remains with you, the user.
Companies use cookies for a variety of reasons that can improve their online performance. Cookies allow them to remember user preferences, making the website experience more personal. They help analyze website traffic so companies can see which pages are popular and how visitors navigate. Marketing cookies allow companies to show targeted ads to users based on previous browsing behavior. This significantly increases the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Cookies also enable functionalities such as shopping carts remembering items, staying logged in without repeatedly logging in, and showing personalized recommendations.
In short, cookies help companies improve services and make marketing more efficient.
Cookies pose several privacy risks. They can collect personal information without clear consent. Tracking cookies track your browsing habits across multiple Web sites, creating detailed user profiles. This data can be sold to third parties or used for targeted advertising without your knowledge. In addition, cookies can pose security risks if not properly secured, potentially making sensitive information accessible to malicious parties.