Internet update

Citation

Almond, N. (2012), "Internet update", Property Management, Vol. 30 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/pm.2012.11330daa.002

Internet update

Internet update

Article Type: Internet update From: Property Management, Volume 30, Issue 4.

As I prepare this update many companies in the UK and Europe are gearing up for a new directive which covers new data protection rules. I stumbled across this reading an article in the Financial Times (www.ft.com). The directive has actually been delayed a year to better enable companies to prepare. Despite this extension a survey by KPMG, and reported in the Financial Times, has highlighted that 95 per cent of companies are unprepared for its introduction (see www.kpmg.com/UK/en/IssuesAndInsights/ArticlesPublications/NewsReleases/Pages/Long-way-to-go-for-UK-institutions-with-majority-yet-to-comply-with-EU-Cookie-Law.aspx).

So what is this new law about? It revolves around cookies. These are not the biscuits you eat, but in internet terms refers to small packets of data that are set between a web site and a user's computer. Under the current regulations companies just need to tell people how to use cookies and how they can opt out should they object. The new rules require the user to give consent to cookies being installed. The user also needs to be provided with information about the reasons for the storage of the cookie. Cookies are important for companies as they can be used for analysing web traffic but also targeted marketing.

There are also benefits to users. Cookies help store individual pieces of data allowing easier access to a web site. Most web sites these days require users to register to access free information. My company, like many, require users to register to access our research reports. This way we can monitor who is downloading what and when. When registering, your computer can store your username and password details making it easier to log in on future occasions. All this information is stored in a cookie. You can find these in the internet options in your browser. In this options section you can choose to delete your cookies. If like me you forget the password or even username easily due to infrequent visits, it is worthwhile having this minder for you.

Cookies were originally invented in 1996 by Netscape, which was trying to develop shopping technology at the time. The web site (www.allaboutcookies.org) provides a short summary of what cookies do and the issues faced in the market:

Cookies are browser dependent and are essentially text files that contain information your browser saves on one of this folders for some websites that do send out cookies. By themselves, cookies pose no risk since they do not contain virus in any form nor do they spy on your PC content to compromise security. They are used to make online surfing faster and easier by make the sites you’ve visited remembering [SIC] who you are, like remembering you IP address or passwords, along with your own preferences such as when Amazon recommend a book or music CD similar to what you looked for in your last visit.

But this convenience feature of having cookies can be eagerly overused when some websites use them to track you across various websites often for analytical competition purposes and thus, record your [SIC] surfing behavior. It[SIC] gets a bit frightening when the companies that track you are those you have never dealt with and to whom you never gave your personal information.

When browsing some news sites recently, I have found advertising targeted at me, showing items I had recently browsed on some web sites. All this information has been collected through cookies that have been installed on my machine. I am not bothered by this and often turn a blind eye.

Declaration: The views expressed are those of the author and not those of DTZ.

Today there are a multitude of different cookies around, undertaking different functions. A number of web sites I reviewed made reference to the site www.allaboutcookies.org/, which provides some details on the different types of cookies. Before you even enter this site you are prompted to consent to cookies from this site being placed on your computer (see Figure 1) and it even provides details on the purpose. A good example of how the new regulations can work. Once you have made your selection you can access the site.

There are some key sections on the site covering how to manage cookies on your computers, ways to stop cookies being installed, and how to deal with alerts and opt-outs. The site is usefully set up so that users can find the right details depending on the type of browser they have, including the variants of Netscape, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Google Chrome.

I am always aware that cookies are installed and sit harmlessly on my machine. Whilst I will routinely delete my browsing history, I have made sure that cookies, passwords, and form data are kept as it saves time entering information and also remembering details.

Mindful of the new regulations companies are putting in place details on the types of cookies used on their web site, how they use these (often found in their privacy or terms and conditions section). Take for example, KPMG, whose recent report highlighted the failing of companies. On their webpage (www.kpmg.com/uk/en/pages/cookies.aspx) they outline the cookies they use and how the information they collect is used. They even highlight that they “do not tell us your email address or otherwise identify you personally”.

Personally, I doubt the new regulations will have a big impact. Most people I suspect will allow things to continue as they are, after all these cookies are harmless. It will be interesting to see how companies adapt to the new changes and what, if anything, regulators will do if firms do not comply in time.

Nigel AlmondAssocia Director,DTZEmail: nigel.almond@dtz.com