WFA's Global Policy Brief

Google delays the deprecation of third-party cookies (again)

In 2020, Google announced that it would be phasing out third-party cookies in Chrome and that they would no longer support any future attempts to track individuals as they browse across the web (cross-site tracking). While the deadline was initially set for the end of this year, Google have extended this deadline to the second half of 2024. According to Google, this is a response to an industry request for more time to test the various alternatives being developed as part of Google’s ‘Privacy Sandbox’ initiative.  

WFA will invite Google representatives to participate in a webinar in the coming months in order to provide members with an update on the Privacy Sandbox. For further information reach out to Gabrielle Robitaille.

Consumers are more aware and concerned about their online privacy than ever, survey finds.

The results of a recent survey by Ad Science, in partnership with YouGov, revealed that a majority of consumers (67%) consider themselves to be “more vigilant than ever about their online data and privacy”. The results also show that nine out of ten consumers are aware of their data being collected during browsing, and 68% of users claim to feel uneasy about this usage of data.

The growing awareness and concerns of consumers towards online privacy is likely to manifest in the form of reputational, and possibly legal, consequences for those advertisers who do not adhere to the highest industry standards and stay up to date with regulation.

For more information, please contact Gabrielle Robitaille.

California passes first-of-its-kind law to strengthen children’s online safety

On 30 August, the Californian state Assembly approved the bill for an Age-Appropriate Design Code (AADC) to strengthen children’s privacy and safety online. The Code will apply to the majority of firms who provide online products and services that process personal data, and which are likely to be accessed by children under 18.

The bill requires companies to build in high privacy standards by default and limit the collection and use of minors’ data by: switching off geolocalisation services and profiling; not sharing children’s data unless strictly necessary for an online service; and avoiding the use of dark patterns and nudging techniques that encourage children to provide unnecessary personal data or weaken their privacy protections.

The bill is now expected to be signed by Californian governor, Gavin Newsom. If approved, the provisions will come into effect on 1 January 2024.

For more information, contact Fraser Bridges.

France becomes the first European country to ban fossil fuel ads

On 22 August France announced legislation banning the advertising for all energy products related to fossil fuels. However, ads for natural gas are still allowed, but new rules for it are expected in June 2023. Companies that fail to comply with the fossil fuel ad prohibition could face fines up to €100.000.

For more information, please contact  Fraser Bridges.

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