Cookie consent guidelines launched - Telegraph The new code of conduct, introduced by the London office of the International Chamber of Commerce, aims to help businesses comply with new EU legislation which comes into force on 26 May. Breaches of the code could cost companies £500,000. It will introduce four new categories for cookies, which the ICC suggests will be identified with four icons. They will distinguish between cookies that are "Strictly necessary" for a website to function; those necessary for a site to monitor its "performance"; cookies that add "functionality" such as remembering a password; and "Targeting Cookies," which collect several pieces of information about users" browsing habits. On the launch of the new Guide at a Government event in Whitehall, Stephen Pattison, CEO of ICC UK, said: "Educating consumers about cookies and their uses has to be the first step in complying with the new EU rules." The new guide includes suggestions for how websites describe what they are asking for in the simple language the EU demands. It acknowledges, however, that some cookies will fall into multiple categories. Mr Pattison said that the process may become simpler as consumers become more aware of how their information is being used. The Information Commissioner's office welcomed the launch of the guide. David Evans, Group Manager for Business and Industry at the ICO, "We have always been clear that organisations need to provide visitors to their website with enough information to enable individuals to make an informed choice on whether they wish for cookies to be placed on their device." An ICC official said the aim of the new guide was to provide compliance with EU regulations without disrupting current practices. Although major sites and ISPs support the measures, Robert Bond, of law firm Speechly Bircham, said "The impact of the new law is far-reaching and incredibly onerous for website owners. This will affect all UK companies.