Tired of cookie consent pop-ups? You soon may see less of them.

"The law, called the e-Privacy Directive, requires websites to request consent from users before loading cookies on their computer or mobile device. Cookies are a small text file that websites use to store a user's information and preferences. Cookies were originally introduced to simplify things for the user. For example, cookies are the reason a user can stay logged into a social media account without having to sign in every time they open up the website."

"The e-Privacy Directive was passed with the intent to protect users' privacy, as cookies can also be used for invasive marketing purposes or shared with third-parties without a users' consent. While the law provides an exception for cookies that are "strictly necessary" to provide a service, many platforms still serve the cookies' consent pop-ups to ensure they are not violating the law."

"The EU could add additional exceptions to the existing law, or allow users to set their consent preferences in advance in their web browser settings. Industry lobbyists have pushed for cookie consent-related laws to be included in the EU's broader General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). As POLITICO points out, the GDPR uses a "risk-based approach" where companies have more control over privacy safety measures. Privacy advocates, however, are warning against giving the industry too much power over cookie consent, as any changes could"

The European Commission is considering relaxing the 2009 e-Privacy Directive that requires websites to request consent before loading cookies. Cookies store user information and preferences to enable features like staying logged in and preserving shopping carts. The directive aimed to protect privacy because cookies can enable invasive marketing or third-party sharing. The law includes a "strictly necessary" exception, yet many platforms still show consent pop-ups to avoid noncompliance. Possible changes include adding exceptions or allowing browser-level consent preference settings. Industry groups favor aligning consent rules with GDPR's risk-based approach, while privacy advocates warn against excessive industry control.

Read at Mashable