[Freddy]

Here's a brief story to show the background :

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12668552

And here's a help document from the UK Gov :

Changes to the rules on using cookies and similar
technologies for storing information

Comes in to force 26 May 2011.

Feel free to debate but this is just so that we as a site can be seen to be abiding by the law.  It's all very vague at the moment and how they will enforce it I do not know.

Really this is not the kind of site that is the target I feel.

We do use a cookie that stores username and password.  This is so you don't have to keep logging in all the time if you don't want to.

I'm going to add something to the registration agreement but ...

However, it is important to note that changing the terms of use
alone to include consent for cookies would not be good enough
even if the user had previously consented to the overarching
terms.  To satisfy the new rules on cookies, you have to make
users aware of the changes and specifically that the changes
refer to your use of cookies.  You then need to gain a positive
indication that users understand and agree to the changes.  This
is most commonly obtained by asking the user to tick a box to
indicate that they consent to the new terms

To me it should be enough, but they think it isn't.  So I will have to think of something else, maybe something simple like a thread whereby people respond that they are happy for us to use the cookie.

[DaveMorton]

I, David Jay Morton, known here and elsewhere as GeekCaveCreations, do hereby affirm that I understand that this website, referred henceforth as AI Dreams, uses cookies in the usual, lawful, operation of this website, such cookies being used to store my username and site password, and I further affirm that AI Dreams has my full permission to maintain these cookies, and that they will not use the information stored within said cookies for any other purpose than to allow for the convenience of myself, or to sell to the highest bidder, that I may receive email ads for Viagra, or home mortgages.

Does that about cover it, Freddy?

[Freddy]

LOL yeah I think that's fine my friend 

I think my plan of action is to simply amend the registration agreement - as that is direct acceptance.  So that is new members catered for.  I'm not going to make a load of changes to the software, if they don't like cookies then I am afraid they will have to not join.

And for existing members, much like your acceptance just now...I will send a newsletter around asking people to accept the use of cookies in a thread in the forum.  People who do not respond...well I will just have to delete the account.  They can always sign up again and accept the new terms.

Big Brother gets on my nerves.

[DaveMorton]

Is there any way that you can disable, rather than delete those accounts, so that members who can't respond in a reasonable time (jail springs to mind) don't lose out?

[Freddy]

Maybe, I will look into it.  I might be able to arrange it so that they are unapproved until they email me or something.  I don't think that would stop the cookies getting used though...

[DaveMorton]

You know, too, that there's no way for you to delete said cookies if, for whatever reason, they don't re-visit the site and actively participate in their removal (by clicking "I do not agree", or similar). the only way that I can see for you to be fully compliant with this law is to actively delete every visitor's cookies as they visit the site (storing the data temporarily, first, of course), and then... No, that wouldn't work, either... Hmmm... A wicky sticket, if you ask me.

[Freddy]

Yeah it's a pain.  Hopefully they will come up with a solution at SMF.  It is currently being discussed and I dropped the PDF in over there earlier.

It's a shame the software is not set up to allow the admin to force (used lightly) members to re accept the registration agreement.  Maybe there is a mod that does that, I will take a look.

[Freddy]

Aha, there is a mod, but it is written for the older version of SMF.  I'll see if I can adapt it to use here.  The way it works is when you reset the registration agreement everyone has to re accept.  That should do it.

[Data]

Freddy my friend I think you might be over reacting, it seems to me that this law is really being aimed at sites that use cookies to display adverts, something neither you or I do. I also think it’s a good idea being that I’m so against adverts.

Am I going to do anything on Datahopa about this?

No, the cookies are harmless and vital.

Throw it back at them and make them prove otherwise.   

[Freddy]

I know what you mean.  It's pretty ridiculous for sites like this and yes I too think it is aimed at advertisers who track people.

I think we have a case for it being vital too.  I doubt it would cause any problems, but perhaps I am being over efficient today hehe

[DaveMorton]

Ok, now that's just plain odd:

1.) The new laws go into effect on the 26th of May.
2.) According to the BBC article:

A spokesman for the DCMS said that work on the regulations was "ongoing" but that the technical solutions would not be complete by 25 May.

3.) The PDF you linked to referred to a "phased-in" approach to this, but was created on the 9th of May. Since when is 16 days to be considered "phased-in"? Are we yeast cells now? Or some sort of nematode?

[Freddy]

Goodness knows. 

[Data]

For peace of mind, you could play safe and do what you suggested, we wont hold it against you, and we know you run a tight ship, captain.  

But if you don’t I wouldn’t expect anyone to come along and arrest you, there are a few million dodgy sites they would have to sort out first.   


On a lighter note:
Its only European law, doesn’t effect us in the UK or the USA   

[Freddy]

Exactly.  Well let's leave it to simmer.  It's not a big problem, I think I can get that mod to work with SMF2 when I get a chance to look at it.  Then when it's done we can all forget about till they think up another great law for us to follow.

[Art]

Be careful now Rog cause when they make you convert to EUROS, then it's a big downhill ride all the way!!

Relax a bit mate, but do remain ever vigilant...I've got yer back!