London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Friday, Jul 04, 2025

UK to urge G7 to adopt new method to tackle pop-up cookie nuisance

UK to urge G7 to adopt new method to tackle pop-up cookie nuisance

The government has cited tackling cookie requests as an example of the reforms to the UK's data protection regime that it plans to introduce in the future.

Data protection authorities across the G7 are to be urged to tackle nuisance cookie consent pop-ups, which critics say are not fit for purpose.

Proposals on improving the ways that web users consent to cookies will be discussed in a series of virtual meetings to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The government has cited tackling cookie requests as an example of the reforms to the UK's data protection regime that it plans to introduce in the future.

What is a web cookie?


A cookie is a bit of information stored by your browser that is shared with the websites you visit without being changed.

The technology is used by online retailers to remember what items you want to purchase when you visit the check-out, as well as to store your username and passwords.

Cookies are designed to be unique to your browser, but this means that some websites can use special tracking cookies to follow you around the web.

These cookies are often used by third party advertisers who, by building up data on the sites you visit and the shopping that you're interested in, can target advertisements at you.

Cookie consent forms are designed to allow web users to permit or deny these tracking cookies to be saved by their browsers, but the nuisance pop-up design forces many people to click "I Agree" without meaningfully consenting.

The meetings will be chaired by Elizabeth Denham, the UK's current Information Commissioner, who is due to leave her role this year.

But her position has been met with criticism, with Open Rights Group among the organisations who claim that Ms Denham's plea to the G7 stands in contrast to how she has fulfilled her role as regulator.

"The simple fact is that most cookie banners are unlawful, and the data collection behind them is, as her own report states, also unlawful," said Jim Killock.

"If the ICO wants to sort out cookie banners then it should follow its own conclusions and enforce the law.

"We have waited for over two years now for the ICO to deal with this, and now they are asking the G7 to do their job for them. That is simply outrageous.

"We fully support their call for automated signals, but meantime they should enforce the law, which is their job," he added.

Each of the G7 authorities will make a presentation during the meetings on an issue which they believe requires international cooperation.

According to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) many people automatically select "I Agree" when presented with cookie pop-ups, leaving them with no meaningful control over their personal data.

Ms Denham is to propose a new system "where web browsers, software applications and device settings allow people to set lasting privacy preferences of their choosing, rather than having to do that through pop-ups every time they visit a website".

"This would ensure people's privacy preferences are respected and the use of personal data is minimised, while improving users' browsing experience and removing friction for businesses," her office explained.

"While this approach is already technologically possible and compliant with data protection law, the ICO believes the G7 authorities could have a major impact in encouraging technology firms and standards organisations to further develop and roll out privacy-oriented solutions to this issue."

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Political Dispute Escalates Between Trump and Musk
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
US Senate Votes to Remove AI Regulation Moratorium from Domestic Policy Bill
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
King Charles Plans Significant Role for Prince Harry in Coronation
Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Espionage Activities Against U.S. Navy
Amazon Reaches Major Automation Milestone with Over One Million Robots
Extreme Heat Wave Sweeps Across Europe, Hitting Record Temperatures
Meta Announces Formation of Ambitious AI Unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs
Robots Compete in Football Tournament in China Amid Injuries
Trump Administration Considers Withdrawal of Funding for Hospitals Providing Gender Treatment to Minors
Texas Enacts Law Allowing Gold and Silver Transactions
China Unveils Miniature Insect-Like Surveillance Drone
OpenAI Secures Multimillion-Dollar AI Contracts with Pentagon, India, and Grab
Marc Marquez Claims Victory at Dutch Grand Prix Amidst Family Misfortune
Germany Votes to Suspend Family Reunification for Asylum Seekers
Elon Musk Critiques Senate Budget Proposal Over Job Losses and Strategic Risks
Los Angeles Riots ended with Federal Investigations into Funding
Budapest Pride Parade Draws 200,000 Participants Amid Government Ban
Southern Europe Experiences Extreme Heat
Xiaomi's YU7 SUV Launch Garners Record Pre-Orders Amid Market Challenges
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Lavish Wedding in Venice
Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine Since Invasion
Education Secretary Announces Overhaul of Complaints System Amid Rising Parental Grievances
Massive Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Belgrade
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over Digital Services Tax
UK Government Softens Welfare Reform Plans Amid Labour Party Rebellion
Labour Faces Rebellion Over Disability Benefit Reforms Ahead of Key Vote
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Host Lavish Wedding in Venice Amid Protests
Trump Asserts Readiness for Further Strikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Tensions
North Korea to Open New Beach Resort to Boost Tourism Economy
UK Labour Party Faces Internal Tensions Over Welfare Reforms
Andrew Cuomo Hints at Potential November Comeback Amid Democratic Primary Results
Curtis Sliwa Champions His Vision for New York City Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Federal Reserve Proposes Changes to Capital Rule Affecting Major Banks
EU TO HUNGARY: LET THEM PRIDE OR PREP FOR SHADE. ORBÁN TO EU: STAY IN YOUR LANE AND FIX YOUR OWN MESS.
Trump Escalates Criticism of Media Over Iran Strike Coverage
Trump Announces Upcoming US-Iran Meeting Amid Controversial Airstrikes
Trump Moves to Reshape Middle East Following Israel-Iran Conflict
Big Four Accounting Firms Fined in Exam Cheating Scandal
NATO Members Agree to 5% Defense Spending Target by 2035
Australia's Star Casino Secures $195 Million Rescue Package Amid Challenges
UK to Enhance Nuclear Capabilities with Acquisition of F-35A Fighter Jets
×