Google made a tasty cookie change in Europe that we need across the web

Google is implementing a new option to reject cookies in Europe after being fined €150 million earlier this year for violating EU data laws with its existing banners.

European users visiting Google sites will now see a button to “reject all” cookies. Previously, the cookie dialog box Google displayed on its sites allowed users to accept all cookies with one click but made them go through multiple menus to reject them all.

Google’s new cookie banner will include three straightforward options: “Accept all,” “Reject all,” and “More options.” It will appear on Google Search and YouTube if users aren’t signed into their Google accounts. Signed-in users can change their cookie settings through Google’s data and privacy dashboard.

Cookies are tiny files that can identify users uniquely. Websites use them for various purposes, such as keeping you logged in, remembering items in your shopping cart, and targeting customized ads at you. Advertisers use ad-targeting cookies or third-party cookies to track what you do online and sell you goods and services you might want to buy.

Many cookie banners deploy deceptive language and options that ultimately confuse users into accepting third-party cookies. As per NOYB, a non-profit that advocates for privacy laws in Europe, a large number of websites do not provide a way to easily withdraw consent for cookies.

The organization’s founder Max Schrems recently said, “Companies openly admit that only 3% of all users actually want to accept cookies, but more than 90% can be nudged into clicking the agree button.”

Google may have been forced to implement the new cookie menu in Europe, but it’s definitely something we would like to see across the web for a more transparent browsing experience.