When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

But, should this practice be legal at all?

With such a choice stripped away, experts fear this would create a two-tier internet instead.

Conceptual image with a bunch of floating eyeballs in different sizes overlooking a red computer, could symbolize ideas around malware and computer viruses

The choice here is simple: give away your data if you want to access my content.

European news sites were the first to experiment with thepay-to-privacymodel since GDPR rules were enforced in 2018.

Close up on screen of allow all cookies button

This case, however, didn’t prevent other organizations from testing out the legal water around cookie walls.

Let’s look at the EU.

The approach towards cookie walls in the UK is getting more relaxed, too.

Now, about 6 years later, ICO’s views on this practice have shifted.

But, how can it be freely given consent if the only choice you have is paying a fee?

“I wouldn’t say there’s necessarily coercion there, but there’s definitely an element of influence.

Privacy is a fundamental right, data protection is a fundamental right.”

What’s next?

As we have seen, cookie walls are getting traction across the EU and the UK.

And our online privacy is on the line.

Fielding fears the impact that even more widespread cookie walls will have on the future of data protection.