New EU Law re: Use of Cookies and Consent

  • Posts: 96
  • Thank you received: 4
  • Hikashop Business
12 years 5 months ago #51544

Hi Nicolas,

The new law which comes into force in UK on 26th May 2012 states:

"Cookies or similar devices must not be used unless the subscriber or user of the relevant terminal equipment:

(a) is provided with clear and comprehensive information about the purposes of the storage of, or access to, that information; and

(b) has given his or her consent."


In view of the new EU law requiring website providers to give clear information and explanation about all cookies that may be stored on a user's computer - both Session and Persistent cookies - and in some cases to require consent before placing the cookie/s rather than relying on 'implied consent', it would be very helpful if you could please provide a list the different cookies used by Hikashop (function, type and how long they persist).

Possibly, also for the future for EU users, a pop up that could be turned on if required so that on first entry to Hikashop the user is required to click a box to indicate acceptance of the cookies required to enable the correct operation of the cart, etc?

This would enable Hikashop users to more easily ensure they are operating in compliance with the legislation.

For anyone interested in getting more information about the legislation there is a useful explanation provided by the UK government Information Compliance Office at www.ico.gov.uk/for_organisations/privacy...e_guide/cookies.aspx .

Thanks in anticipation

Regards
Chris

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Posts: 82863
  • Thank you received: 13372
  • MODERATOR
12 years 5 months ago #51552

Hi,

HikaShop uses only ONE cookie for the affiliate system (business edition) and only if the affiliate system is activated.
The principle of affiliation systems are based on cookies. It's not possible to have a real affiliate system without a cookie. The duration of the cookie itself is configurable in the options of the affiliate system.

Having a popup poping out when you reach a website because you came from another partner website will probably keep away most of the users, rendering the affiliation system moot I think. In that case, you better turn off the affiliate system...

In any case, even if the user does not accept cookies, HikaShop will function properly. It just won't trigger the affiliation system and the partner won't get any fee.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Posts: 96
  • Thank you received: 4
  • Hikashop Business
12 years 5 months ago #51592

Thank you Nicolas - we do not use the affiliate system and, if we did, it would be simple enough to comply and get permission from affiliates if required. Incidentally the Hikashop Slider does actually place 3 cookies on user's browsers to remember position etc through page refreshes, but as these do not store any user identifiable information it should be okay simply to list these and explain their function.

As you know many shopping carts routinely use cookies to retain information about user preferences, details, what items are in their cart, etc. It is a relief therefore to find Hikashop does not, as this new legislation could potentially be a problem for website owners if ever fully enforced.

I think the fact you are not using persistent or session cookies (other than with the affiliate system) would be a good extra Benefit Point for your sales of HikaShop.

Regards

Chris

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Posts: 82863
  • Thank you received: 13372
  • MODERATOR
12 years 5 months ago #51593

Hi,

The slider system in HikaShop does not use any cookies.

HikaShop stores information in the user session like pagination, current currency, current zone, selected payment method, etc. These are stored in the PHP session on the server until the session expires, and the session system is handled by Joomla itself, not HikaShop.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Time to create page: 0.055 seconds
Powered by Kunena Forum