Upcoming Changes to Fool UK’s Privacy Practices

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By

Motley Fool Staff

Published in Investing on 24 May 2012

We're now seeking consent before placing cookies on computers.

In light of the EC Privacy Directive coming into force on 26 May 2012, we're going to make some changes to our privacy practices here at Fool UK.

Starting on 26 May 2012, we will first seek your consent before placing a cookie on your computer or other device you use to access our services. So when you visit, login or register with Fool.co.uk, order or access your Fool premium services, sign up for a free report or use any personalised service we may offer, we will be asking you to consent to accept our cookies. You will give your consent either by clicking on an 'Accept Cookies' button, ticking a box or, in the case of our free reports, by providing us with your e-mail address.

Cookies are bits of data that the Fool places on your hard drive or other device to help operate the website more efficiently and enhance your web experience. The Fool's old policy was to automatically place certain cookies on your computer unless you had configured your browser to refuse them. This upcoming change means that we will only be setting cookies after we have your consent. You're still free to reject or remove our cookies at any time, but by doing so your access and, more importantly, your Fool.co.uk experience, will be severely limited.

The other change taking place is that our Privacy & Cookie Statement now lists all the cookies that we and our third-party providers use, as well as their purpose. Be warned: our cookies have some pretty creative names, so be prepared to be amused.

One thing that has not changed is The Motley Fool's commitment to respecting your privacy and protecting your personal data. We encourage you to review the revised Privacy & Cookie Statement and contact us at UKPrivacy@Fool.co.uk if you have any queries.

If you'd like more information on cookies in general and how to manage them, we suggest you visit allaboutcookies.org.

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Comments

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual writers and are not representative of The Motley Fool. If you spot any comments that are unsuitable hit the flag to alert our moderators.

UncleEbenezer 24 May 2012 , 4:30pm

Given that you feature cookie-heavy adverts (even for those of us who block anything that moves/animates on screen), that'll be a lot to list. What happens when you sign up with a new advertiser? Or add the 'share this' icon for the next 'social' site you embrace?

Mari11ion 24 May 2012 , 8:43pm

You only offer the option to Accept Cookies, not to reject them.

In Communist countries they only give you one person to vote for, but at least you have the option of not voting. On the Fool, not only do you have only one choice, but if you don't vote you just block the content until eventually we capitulate. It's not really a choice is it?

RockderktheGreat 25 May 2012 , 2:24am

You ask new sign ups to accept cookies, or not join. There is no choice.

conmurfph 25 May 2012 , 8:00am

Pretty pointless calling TMF on this because they're only reacting to legislation in a way that pretty much every other site you visit will do. Take it up with the government!

tru2me 25 May 2012 , 10:31am

Pretty pointless calling TMF on this because they're only reacting to legislation in a way that pretty much every other site you visit will do. Take it up with the government!

Better still take it up with the European Commission because this is the organisation who are introducing it.

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-05/24/eu-cookie-law-moaning

ribuck 25 May 2012 , 12:44pm

This legislation is stupid, because every user already can block or allow any cookie from their browser preference settings.

This legislation just provides the illusion of protecting user privacy while ignoring the real privacy issues (like whether vested interests can compel your ISP to reveal your browsing history).

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