Why You Need a Cookie Consent Banner and What It Is?

what is a cookie banner?

A cookie banner, or a cookie consent Banner, indicates when a user first visits a site or when additional permission is required. It informs you that the web browser uses cookies, essentially tiny data files that web browsers store on your system. These cookies can remember things about your visit.

The cookie banner explains why the website uses cookies and gives you options. Usually, it is either “accept” or “decline” with cookies. It’s about granting you some privacy control. European laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) require websites to get your consent before using cookies.

Examples and Layout of Different Types of Cookie Consent Banners

Different websites use various layouts and styles for cookie consent banners. Some common examples include:

• Bottom Banner: This banner is displayed at the bottom of the website.
  
  
• Top Banner: This banner is displayed at the top of the website.
  
  
• Top Hanging: The banner is displayed at the top of a webpage or physical space to inform visitors about cookie usage.
  
  
• Bottom Hanging: The banner at the bottom of a website informs visitors about privacy policies.
  
  
• Modal Popup: A popup window appears in the screen’s centre.
  
  
• Sidebar Banner: The banner appears on the side of the webpage.
  
  

These layouts help ensure that the banner is visible and accessible to users. Furthermore, incorporating interactive examples can provide users with a firsthand experience of how each type of banner functions on a webpage.

Layout Features of Cookie Consent Banner

A cookie consent banner should have an easy-to-use structure that complies with privacy laws. Moreover, it typically includes the following elements:

• Clear Heading: Indicates the purpose of the banner.
• Description: Briefly explain what cookies are and how they are used.
• Options:Buttons or links for accepting, rejecting, or customising cookie settings.
  Link to Privacy Policy: Directs users to the website’s privacy policy for more detailed information

Feature/Requirement	GDPR	CCPA	LGPD	e-Privacy Directive
Consent Requirement	Required	Required	Required	Required
Right to Withdraw Consent	Required	Required	Required	Required
Access to Detailed Information	Required	Optional	Required	Required
Default Setting (Reject/Accept)	Reject	Opt-out	Opt-out	Opt-in
Clear Information Provision	Required	Required	Required	Required
Penalties/Fines	Up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover	Up to $7,500 per violation	Up to 2% of revenue	Up to €10 million or 2% of global turnover

Who needs a cookie banner?

Most websites that use cookies must have a cookie banner. This rule applies to all personal or commercial websites, regardless of size or type. Some websites may not need a banner if they only use cookies for technical reasons, but it’s important to check local privacy laws to be sure.

Types of Cookies Banner 

There are several types of cookie banners:

1. Implicit Consent: This is when a user keeps using the website as it implies their consent.

2. Explicit Consent: This is where a user must agree to cookies being actively used.

3. Opt-In: A banner that allows the user to choose which types of cookies they want to accept.

4. Opt-Out: Allows the user to decline the use of cookies and potentially restrict some features of the website. 

5. Dual-Purpose: Provides both information about cookies and a means for obtaining consent.

6. Just-in-Time (JIT): This banner appears when a user accesses a feature that requires cookies.

7. Persistent: It remains visible until the user takes action, either by accepting or declining cookies.
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Each type of privacy banner layout is designed to inform users about cookies and give them options to choose how cookies are used.

Cookie Banner Features

Cookie banner features are given below:

Requirements of GDPR Cookie Banner

To comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the following requirements must be met for cookie banners:

Clear and concise: Banner should present information clearly and concisely. This includes simple details of the cookies used and their purpose.

Concur: Users are required to give explicit consent to cookies. This consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous.

Withdrawal of consent rights: Users are to be granted the right to withdraw their consent at any time.

Information access: Users shall have an opportunity to get more comprehensive information on how cookies work, including those who set them as well as their applications

Privacy policy: Privacy policies describe the personal data collection method correctly.

Other Major Legislations for Cookie Banner

Apart from the GDPR, other significant legislations call for the use of cookie banners, which include:

CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act): The California Consumer Privacy Act requires websites to provide information about cookies and allows users to decline them.

ePrivacy Directive: EU legislation dictates that websites obtain visitors’ permission to use cookies and similar technologies.

LGPD (Brazil’s General Data Protection Law): Like the GDPR, it requires websites to obtain user consent before using cookies and informs users about their rights.

Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR): PECR supplements GDPR in the UK by regulating electronic communications, focusing on cookie rules. This means that websites should seek consent for non-essential cookies and facilitate ways for customers to manage their preferences.

These regulations ensure a user’s privacy by governing how websites and online platforms handle data collected via cookies or other tracking technology.

Specifications of Cookies Consent Banner 

The specifications for a cookie consent banner under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) include:

• Transparency: The message should be clear about the cookies in use, including what these do and who is placing them.
• Choice: Users must be able to accept or decline cookies. Rejecting by default is required.
• Control: Users must have a way to control which types of cookies they accept, such as essential and marketing cookies.
• Plain language: The banner should be communicated in simple language that is easy to comprehend.
• Unambiguous consent: Users should seek explicit permission, like through opt-in checkboxes.
• Easily reversible action: Consent can be withdrawn at any time simply by taking an action.
• Privacy policy: The privacy policy should be noted on the website and visible and easily accessible. 
• Accessibility: The banner mustn’t discriminate against individuals with disabilities, particularly those who may depend on screen readers for information.
• Regularly updated guideline: Cookie consent forms must always meet requirements provided by GDPR.

Why is a Cookie Banner Important for Website Compliance?

A cookie banner on a website is essential because it helps website owners follow privacy laws and informs users about cookie usage. Website owners use a cookie banner to show they care about privacy and are honest with users. This builds trust and improves the user experience. It also helps avoid legal issues, like fines, for not following privacy rules.

Benefits of a Privacy-Compliant Cookie Banner

A privacy-compliant cookie banner offers several benefits:

1. Enhanced Trust and Reputation: Informing users about how their data is collected builds trust and improves your company’s reputation.
2. Improved User Experience: User-friendly banners give users control over their data, making them less frustrated and more engaged on your website.
3. Compliance with Legal Requirements: It helps you avoid fines and legal issues by following privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA, offering clear consent options in your cookie banner.
4. Reduced Risks: Implementing consent-driven cookie policies helps protect user data and reduces the risk of security breaches on websites.
5. Personalised User Experience: You can personalise content and recommendations with user consent, increasing user satisfaction and conversion rates.
6. Data Analytics: Use consented data to analyse user behaviour and optimise website performance, making better business decisions.
7. Ethical Standards: Show your commitment to ethical data practices. These standards improve your brand image and align with corporate responsibility.

Privacy-compliant cookie banner implementation fulfills legal requirements, builds user confidence, and allows your business to use data effectively.

Fines for Non-Compliant Cookie Banner

Failure to comply with the cookie banner regulations may attract hefty fines. According to GDPR law, the penalties can reach Twenty(20) million Euros or four percent of global annual turnover.

Do All Types of Cookie Banners Require User Consent?

User consent is not necessary for all cookie banners. However, it is usually required when dealing with other cookies, such as marketing or analytics.

Will Cookie Banner Affect Website SEO?

A cookie banner that impairs user experience could harm website SEO. Consequently, creating a friendly cookie banner that does not obstruct users’ interaction with a website is essential. To read more visit our article Cookie consent SEO.

How Long are Cookies Stored?

When you access a website, session cookies act like temporary reminders that assist you in performing tasks on that site during your visit. They are automatically deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies stick around after you leave the website. It Stores information like your login details or preferences. They can last anywhere from a few days to a long time.

Websites use these cookies to remember your actions and personalise your experience. Balancing personalised service with user privacy is crucial to managing these cookies. Consequently, users must understand how to manage or delete cookies through their browser settings.Visit our article to know more about cookie expiration

How to Block or Delete Cookies

Browser settings allow users to block or delete cookies. Most browsers have options for managing cookies, such as blocking all cookies, allowing only certain types of cookies, or deleting cookies after the end of each session. Users can delete cookies from Google, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge using the method below.

Google Chrome:

1. Click on three dots in the top right corner
2.  Select “Settings”
3.  Select Privacy and Security in the left sidebar.
4. Click on “Cookies and other site data.”
5. Turn off “Allow sites to save and read cookie data”.

Firefox:

1. Click on the menu button in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Options.”
3. Click “Privacy & Security.” in the left sidebar
4.  Select the “Cookies and Site Data” section.
5. Under “Cookies and Site Data”, choose your preferred choices.

Safari (Mac): 

1. Click on “Safari” in the top menu bar.
2. Select “Preferences”.
3. Click on the “Privacy”.
4. Click on “Manage Website Data”.
5. Click “Remove All” at the bottom of the window.

Microsoft Edge: 

1. Click on the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Select “Settings”.
3. Go to “Privacy, search, and services” in the left sidebar.
4. Click on “Cookies and site permissions.”
5. Then select “Manage and delete cookies and site data.”

Changing Your Consent

Users should be able to change their consent preferences at any time.They can withdraw their consent completely through the website’s cookie settings.

How Consent Management Platforms Can Help

Consent Management Platforms (CMPs) simplify compliance by automating consent collection and management, ensuring adherence to GDPR, CCPA, and other regulations. They offer customisable consent interfaces, allowing businesses to maintain brand consistency while enhancing user trust.

CMPs provide granular consent options, enabling users to manage preferences easily and withdraw consent as needed. With integrated analytics, CMPs offer insights into user behaviour, supporting continuous compliance and improving transparency.

How to Create Your Cookie Consent Banner

Creating your cookie consent banner involves the following 7 steps:

1. Understand the Importance of Cookies.
2. Choose the right cookie management tool.
3. Register and configure Your Website.
4. Generate and implement the cookie policy.
5. Customize and optimize your cookie consent banner.
6. Add the co0kie consent log report.
7. Region Selection to your cookie consent banner

For more clear info visit our article how to add cookie to your website

How Does the Cookie Consent Banner Work?

A cookie consent banner informs users about the use of cookies. It collects user consent before cookies are placed on their device and stores user preferences to ensure compliance with their choices. Users are allowed to manage or withdraw consent at any time.For more visit our article cookie consent banner working
Example of  how banner cookies work 

How Our Website Uses Cookies

Seers uses cookies to enhance the user experience, analyse site usage, and assist our marketing efforts. Similarly, our website uses various cookies, including necessary, performance, and marketing cookies.

Why Choose Seers?

Seers provides a comprehensive solution for cookie consent management, featuring easy-to-implement cookie consent banners. Our services ensure compliance with global privacy regulations and offer customisable options tailored to your website’s requirements.

With regular updates to maintain ongoing compliance, choosing Seers streamlines the cookie consent process and guarantees adherence to privacy laws. Also, Seers is the ultimate solution, and through its WP Cookie Consent plugin, you can make your business secure and reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions