After years of debate, the Council of the European Union has finally agreed on various amendments to the ePrivacy Directive (the Directive on privacy and electronic communications 2002/58/EC – “ePrivacy Directive”),[1] which include new requirements for websites that use cookies or similar tracking technologies.

These requirements have significant implications for communication and Internet service providers and the online advertising industry in general. The presidents of both the European Parliament and the European Council are due to sign the drafts into law on November 25. The 27 EU Member States will then have to implement the new requirements within 18 months of the publication date of the amendments in the EU’s official journal, which is to be expected in the weeks ahead.