The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has announced plans to extend its review of cookie usage to the UK’s top 1,000 websites to bring them into compliance with data protection law, as part of its wider online tracking strategy.
In a recent article, the ICO announced plans to bring the UK’s top 1000 websites in compliance with data protection law, particularly with regards to website cookies and how obtaining consent to cookies is managed.
The ICO stated that it had assessed the compliance of the top 200 UK websites and communicated concerns to 134 of those organisations. The ICO will now expand its focus to the UK’s top 1,000 websites and further to apps and connected TVs.
The ICO has also published its online tracking strategy for 2025 and its up to date guidance on “consent or pay” models (which we wrote about in our related article below). In his blog, Mr Stephen Almond explained that the strategy is not just about compliance but also “fostering innovation, trust and a level playing field for all”. Alongside tackling cookie compliance, the strategy includes plans to engage with consent management platforms and publication of guidance for the public on how they can understand and control the use of their information online. The ICO expects to publish public facing guidance later this year to help people navigate online tracking, their lawful rights to meaningful choice over their personal information and what to do if they have concerns about how a website uses cookies.
The ICO aims to simplify compliance processes and promote innovation in advertising models that respect user privacy. It has emphasised its wish to work with businesses to achieve this aim.
If you’d like any advice on your online advertising strategy or your use of cookies please contact a member of the Commercial, IP and Technology team: [email protected]
