The European Commission aims to reform the EU’s cookie consent rules that have cluttered websites with intrusive banners asking for permission to track user data[1]. The initiative seeks to streamline data protection while maintaining privacy safeguards through centralized consent mechanisms[1:1].
Cookie consent banners emerged from the ePrivacy Directive (Cookie Law) and GDPR requirements, which mandate websites obtain explicit user permission before collecting non-essential data through cookies[2]. Current rules have led to widespread implementation of pop-up notices that interrupt user experience and often employ confusing interfaces.
The proposed changes reflect growing recognition that the existing approach has “messed up the internet” while failing to provide meaningful privacy protection[1:2]. Rather than requiring individual consent on every website, the Commission is exploring solutions like centralized consent management to reduce banner fatigue while preserving user privacy rights.
If extortion is the honest way to do something, a bigger step back is needed.
I’d rather not go to a website because I won’t pay, than refuse their cookies and have them track me anyway through “legitimate reason”.
If you feel extorted you may need to get off the internet and breathe some fresh air. I’m sure you can live juste fine without going to those extorting website.
Quality cost money to produce. If we want to prevent the massive enshitification we may have to question the way we consume internet and re-think the “everything is free” mantra.
Extortion is a stretch… They provide content or service for a price, the price is either money you pay or money advertisers pay…
I would not use those sites, but that’s my decision, they aren’t twisting my arm to force me to read their shitty articles…