A UK watchdog has issued a warning to some of the country’s most popular websites regarding their use of cookies. Cookies are small files that websites store on your computer to collect data, personalize ads, and monitor your web browsing. The Information Commissioner has stated that these websites are not giving users clear choices about the use of cookies and has given them 30 days to comply with the law. While the watchdog has not named the specific websites, it has issued enforcement notices to them.

Cookies can serve various purposes, from helping websites function properly to tracking users and serving them targeted advertisements. They can record information about your activities on a site, your location, the device you are using, and where you go online afterwards. For many websites, cookies are essential for selling advertising, but this can feel intrusive to users. It is common for people to visit a website or make a purchase and then see related ads on all the sites they visit.

Cookie pop-ups are meant to give users control over cookies, but they are often unclear. For example, closing the pop-up without making a selection can opt you in or out depending on the website. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has previously stated that organizations should make it as easy for users to reject all advertising cookies as it is to accept them. Websites can still display ads even if users reject tracking, but these ads should not be tailored to the user’s browsing.

Currently, the regulations governing cookies are split between the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). The PECR, also known as the “cookie law,” introduced cookie consent pop-ups. However, new legislation is being considered to reduce the number of pop-ups. This legislation would allow websites to collect certain types of information without consent for improving services or security, which has raised concerns among digital privacy groups.

The ICO’s executive director of regulatory risk has emphasized that many people are worried about companies using their personal information without consent. The watchdog is urging companies to make the necessary changes to comply with the law or face consequences. The ICO will provide an update on this matter in January, including details of companies that have not addressed their concerns. This action is part of the ICO’s broader efforts to protect people’s rights in the online advertising industry.

Original news source: Crunch time for cookie use, watchdog warns (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary

Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a few minutes to read the article. Then, ask them to summarize the main points of the article in 3-4 sentences. After they have finished, have each group share their summaries with the class and facilitate a short discussion about the topic.

– Opinion Poll

Instructions: Write two statements on the board that relate to the article. For example, “Do you think websites should be allowed to track users’ browsing habits for targeted advertising?” and “Should websites be required to obtain explicit consent from users before using cookies?” Have students walk around the classroom and ask their classmates for their opinions on each statement. They should record their classmates’ responses and be prepared to share and discuss the results with the class.

– Headline Creation

Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Ask each group to come up with a catchy headline that summarizes the main idea or controversy of the article. Give them a few minutes to brainstorm and then have each group share their headline with the class. Encourage a short discussion about the different headlines and the reasons behind their choices.

– Vocabulary Pictionary

Instructions: Write a list of vocabulary words from the article on the board. Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a word and ask them to draw a quick sketch or symbol that represents the word. They should not use any letters or words in their drawing. After a few minutes, have each group share their drawing with the class and see if the other students can guess the vocabulary word. This activity can help reinforce understanding of the article’s key vocabulary.

– Future Predictions

Instructions: Ask students to imagine the future of online advertising and cookies. Will the regulations become stricter or more relaxed? Will technology advancements change the way cookies are used? Will users have more control over their data? Have each student write a short paragraph or create a short presentation predicting what they think will happen in the future. After they have finished, have a few students share their predictions with the class and facilitate a discussion about the different perspectives.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What are cookies and what are they used for?
2. Why has the UK watchdog issued a warning to popular websites?
3. How long have these websites been given to comply with the law?
4. What types of information can cookies record about users?
5. How do cookie pop-ups give users control over cookies?
6. What is the current legislation governing cookies?
7. What concerns have been raised about the proposed new legislation?
8. What consequences will companies face if they do not comply with the law?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A UK watchdog has issued a warning to some of the country’s most popular websites regarding their use of cookies. (1)______ are small files that websites store on your computer to collect data, personalize ads, and monitor your web browsing. The Information Commissioner has stated that these websites are not giving users clear choices about the use of cookies and has (2)______ them 30 days to comply with the law. While the watchdog has not named the specific websites, it has issued enforcement (3)______ to them.

Cookies can serve various purposes, from helping websites (4)______ properly to tracking users and serving them targeted advertisements. They can record information about your activities on a site, your (5)______, the device you are using, and where you go online afterwards. For many websites, cookies are essential for selling advertising, but this can feel intrusive to (6)______. It is common for (7)______ to visit a website or make a purchase and then see related ads on all the sites they visit.

Cookie pop-ups are meant to give users control over cookies, but they are often unclear. For example, closing the pop-up without making a selection can opt you in or out depending on the website. The Information Commissioner’s (8)______ (ICO) has previously stated that organizations should make it as easy for users to reject all advertising (9)______ as it is to accept them. Websites can still display ads even if users reject tracking, but these ads should not be tailored to the user’s browsing.

Currently, the regulations governing cookies are split between the General Data Protection (10)______ (GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). The PECR, also known as the “cookie law,” introduced cookie consent pop-ups. However, new legislation is being (11)______ to reduce the number of pop-ups. This legislation would allow (12)______ to collect certain types of information without consent for improving services or security, which has raised concerns among digital privacy (13)______.

The ICO’s (14)______ director of regulatory risk has emphasized that many people are worried about companies (15)______ their personal information without consent. The watchdog is urging companies to make the necessary changes to comply with the law or face consequences. The ICO will provide an update on this matter in January, (16)______ details of companies that have not addressed their concerns. This action is part of the ICO’s broader efforts to protect people’s rights in the online advertising industry.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is a cookie and how does it work?
2. How would you feel if websites collected data about your activities and used it to personalize ads?
3. Do you like seeing targeted advertisements while browsing the internet? Why or why not?
4. Do you think websites should be required to give users clear choices about the use of cookies? Why or why not?
5. How do you usually respond to cookie pop-ups on websites? Why?
6. What do you think about the idea of websites being able to collect certain types of information without consent for improving services or security?
7. Have you ever felt that your personal information was being used without your consent? Can you share your experience?
8. What measures do you think should be taken to protect people’s rights in the online advertising industry?
9. How do you think the use of cookies affects online privacy?
10. Have you ever noticed related ads on different websites after visiting a particular site? How did you feel about it?
11. Do you think the current regulations governing cookies are effective in protecting users’ privacy? Why or why not?
12. How do you think companies should handle users’ personal information to ensure consent and privacy?
13. What steps can individuals take to protect their online privacy and limit the use of cookies?
14. How do you think the online advertising industry would be impacted if websites were required to obtain clear consent for the use of cookies?
15. Do you believe that digital privacy groups have valid concerns about the collection and use of personal information online? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. cookies
2. websites
3. data
4. ads
5. users
6. regulations
7. consent
8. privacy

Meanings:
(a) Information collected or stored by websites
(b) Individuals who visit and interact with websites
(c) Online platforms that host content and services
(d) Small files that websites store on your computer
(e) Promotional messages displayed on websites
(f) Rules or laws governing certain activities
(g) Protection of personal information and data
(h) Permission or agreement given by individuals
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What are cookies?
(a) Small files that websites store on your computer to play videos
(b) Small files that websites store on your computer to block ads
(c) Small files that websites store on your computer to send emails
(d) Small files that websites store on your computer to collect data

2. Why has the UK watchdog issued a warning to popular websites?
(a) They are not displaying ads on their websites
(b) They are not functioning properly
(c) They are not giving users clear choices about the use of cookies
(d) They are not tracking users’ activities

3. What can cookies record about users?
(a) Information about their activities on a site, location, device, and online behavior
(b) Information about their favorite movies and TV shows
(c) Information about their favorite foods and hobbies
(d) Information about their social media accounts and passwords

4. What is the purpose of cookie pop-ups?
(a) To display targeted advertisements
(b) To block all cookies from websites
(c) To collect personal information from users
(d) To give users control over cookies

5. What should organizations make it as easy for users to do, according to the ICO?
(a) Accept all advertising cookies
(b) Reject all website functionality
(c) Reject all advertising cookies
(d) Accept all website functionality

6. What legislation introduced cookie consent pop-ups?
(a) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
(b) Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)
(c) Digital Privacy Act
(d) Online Advertising Industry Act

7. What is the ICO urging companies to do?
(a) Continue using cookies without consent
(b) Make the necessary changes to comply with the law
(c) Collect more personal information from users
(d) Display more targeted advertisements

8. When will the ICO provide an update on this matter?
(a) January
(b) February
(c) March
(d) April

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. A UK watchdog has not issued a warning to popular websites in the country about their use of cookies.
2. The specific websites that have received the warning have been named by the watchdog.
3. Cookie pop-ups are often unclear and can opt users in or out depending on the website.
4. Cookies are small files that websites use to collect data, personalize ads, and monitor web browsing.
5. The ICO is urging companies to make necessary changes to comply with the law or face consequences.
6. The Information Commissioner has given these websites 30 days to comply with the law regarding cookies.
7. New legislation is not being considered to reduce the number of cookie consent pop-ups.
8. Cookies can only serve a single purpose, either helping websites function properly or tracking users and serving targeted advertisements.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What are cookies and what are their main purposes?
2. Why are some websites not giving users clear choices about the use of cookies?
3. How do cookie pop-ups work and what are some of the issues with them?
4. What are the current regulations governing cookies and what changes are being considered?
5. What actions is the ICO taking to protect people’s rights in the online advertising industry?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What are cookies and what are they used for?
Cookies are small files that websites store on your computer to collect data, personalize ads, and monitor your web browsing.

2. Why has the UK watchdog issued a warning to popular websites?
The UK watchdog has issued a warning because these websites are not giving users clear choices about the use of cookies.

3. How long have these websites been given to comply with the law?
These websites have been given 30 days to comply with the law.

4. What types of information can cookies record about users?
Cookies can record information about a user’s activities on a site, their location, the device they are using, and where they go online afterwards.

5. How do cookie pop-ups give users control over cookies?
Cookie pop-ups are meant to give users control over cookies by allowing them to make a selection, such as opting in or out of tracking.

6. What is the current legislation governing cookies?
The current legislation governing cookies is split between the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

7. What concerns have been raised about the proposed new legislation?
Concerns have been raised about the proposed new legislation because it would allow websites to collect certain types of information without consent for improving services or security, which has raised concerns among digital privacy groups.

8. What consequences will companies face if they do not comply with the law?
Companies that do not comply with the law may face consequences, although the article does not specify what those consequences are.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Cookies
(2) given
(3) notices
(4) function
(5) location
(6) users
(7) people
(8) Office
(9) cookies
(10) Regulation
(11) considered
(12) websites
(13) groups
(14) executive
(15) using
(16) including
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. cookies
Answer: (d) Small files that websites store on your computer

2. websites
Answer: (c) Online platforms that host content and services

3. data
Answer: (a) Information collected or stored by websites

4. ads
Answer: (e) Promotional messages displayed on websites

5. users
Answer: (b) Individuals who visit and interact with websites

6. regulations
Answer: (f) Rules or laws governing certain activities

7. consent
Answer: (h) Permission or agreement given by individuals

8. privacy
Answer: (g) Protection of personal information and data
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What are cookies?
Answer: (d) Small files that websites store on your computer to collect data

2. Why has the UK watchdog issued a warning to popular websites?
Answer: (c) They are not giving users clear choices about the use of cookies

3. What can cookies record about users?
Answer: (a) Information about their activities on a site, location, device, and online behavior

4. What is the purpose of cookie pop-ups?
Answer: (d) To give users control over cookies

5. What should organizations make it as easy for users to do, according to the ICO?
Answer: (c) Reject all advertising cookies

6. What legislation introduced cookie consent pop-ups?
Answer: (b) Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)

7. What is the ICO urging companies to do?
Answer: (b) Make the necessary changes to comply with the law

8. When will the ICO provide an update on this matter?
Answer: (a) January
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. A UK watchdog has not issued a warning to popular websites in the country about their use of cookies. (Answer: False)
2. The specific websites that have received the warning have been named by the watchdog. (Answer: False)
3. Cookie pop-ups are often unclear and can opt users in or out depending on the website. (Answer: True)
4. Cookies are small files that websites use to collect data, personalize ads, and monitor web browsing. (Answer: True)
5. The ICO is urging companies to make necessary changes to comply with the law or face consequences. (Answer: True)
6. The Information Commissioner has given these websites 30 days to comply with the law regarding cookies. (Answer: True)
7. New legislation is not being considered to reduce the number of cookie consent pop-ups. (Answer: False)
8. Cookies can only serve a single purpose, either helping websites function properly or tracking users and serving targeted advertisements. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧