The Office for Electronic Communications Regulation warns: most Slovak websites are still illegally using cookies without users' consent. Website operators face fines of up to 5% of their turnover.
The Office for the Regulation of Electronic Communications and Postal Services (RÚ) warns that a large number of Slovak websites continue to violate the law regarding the processing of cookies. The main issue is the storage of cookies without demonstrable user consent, which is in violation of the Electronic Communications Act No. 452/2021 Coll.
When are cookies permitted?
The legislation clearly stipulates that, in the case of non-essential cookies, they may only be stored after the user has expressly given their consent. The only exception is so-called technical cookies, which are necessary for the proper functioning of the website.
The Office monitors compliance with the rules not only based on complaints from the public but also through its own inspections. To this end, it uses the Cookies Auditor tool, which detects data storage even before consent is granted.
Penalties for Violating the Law
If the Office detects unauthorized processing of cookies, it may impose a fine of up to 5% of the company’s turnover. Since the new law took effect, more than 105 inspections have been conducted, with fines exceeding 80,000 euros.
“We continue to monitor the situation in the Slovak online space and will continue our inspections,” emphasized Office Chairman Ivan Marták.
Obligations of website operators
The Office reminds operators of the basic rules that websites must follow:
Consent before storage – optional cookies may only be activated after consent is granted.
Equal choice – the “Reject all” option must be available on the first layer of the cookie bar, just like “Accept all.”
Simple settings – users must have clear access to managing their preferences.
The Office also recommends that operators review the guidelines published on its website. An official Statement on Obtaining Consent is also available, which explains in detail how the process should be set up and properly communicated.
Source: teleoff.gov.sk
