DGKV Data Protection Team notes that last month, the European Commission (“EC”) and the European Data Protection Board (“EDPB”) resumed discussions on the topic of obtaining consent in the context of cookie usage and on the progress of the EU Cookie Pledge Initiative (the “Initiative”). The Initiative started in March 2023 and aims to address the growing issue of “cookie fatigue” by simplifying cookie management, improving transparency, and ensuring users understand how and why their personal data are processed.

Despite reports that no stakeholder has yet expressed willingness to join the Initiative, the EC has emphasized that the draft principles developed under the latter should be considered and applied by businesses as a model of best practices.