European Commission Proposes Browser-Managed Cookies
Aiming to simplify user consent and reduce cookie pop-up clutter across the web
The European Commission is seeking to overhaul how cookie consent is managed online by shifting the responsibility from individual websites to internet browsers themselves. Under the new proposal, browsers would offer users centralized tools to set their cookie preferences, eliminating the need for the ubiquitous and often intrusive pop-up prompts on every site. This approach intends to simplify the user experience and reduce the frustration caused by the current consent model.
This initiative comes as part of broader efforts to strengthen online privacy protections under the EU's Digital Services Act and ePrivacy Directive. By standardizing cookie consent management at the browser level, users can more easily control their data preferences without repeatedly interacting with consent banners. Additionally, this change could help websites comply more efficiently with regulations and reduce the clutter that has become synonymous with cookie notices.
While the proposal is still under review and will require approval and implementation steps, it signals a significant shift in privacy management philosophy. Instead of relying on sites to obtain and store consent, browsers would take on a proactive role in respecting user privacy preferences, potentially setting a global standard for cookie handling and online tracking consent.