In May 2011, the European Union passed regulations/directives about privacy and data protection, most notably forcing websites that use cookies to show a prominent disclaimer to all visitors.

For more information about the EU Cookie Law, refer to https://www.cookielaw.org/the-cookie-law/

As of April 2016, this law was slated for further review but has yet to be revoked or temporarily suspended.  [Refer to http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2455454/eus-ineffective-and-ann...