Feb. 15, 2023 – This week, the State Bar of Wisconsin is implementing a cookie management tool –
CookieBot – for its websites, including:
The State Bar is taking this step to comply with the
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a regulation in the European Union that sets guidelines for the collection and processing of personal data. This law applies to all websites worldwide that have visitors from European Union countries.
Here's more information about cookies, websites, and the State Bar's cookie management tool, which helps you manage your cookies on Wisbar.org.
What is a Cookie?
A cookie is a small piece of data that is stored on a user's computer. Cookies store information that allows the site to display selected settings, show targeted content, and keep track of a user's activities, in order to provide a more personalized user experience.
Cookies are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, as well as provide information to the site owners. Some cookies are essential for websites to function properly, while others are used to track your browsing habits or serve you targeted ads.
Why Does WisBar.org Have Cookies and What Are My Choices?
We use essential cookies to make the website work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve your experience, analyze website traffic, and for marketing purposes.
When you visit WisBar.org, a popup window will provide choices for you to customize your settings and manage your cookies on the site. You can consent to "Allow all," "Allow selection," or "Deny" (seeFigure 1). By selecting "Allow selection," you apply settings shown on the screen for "Preferences," "Statistics," and "Targeting," by clicking on the slider to the right (to turn this on) or to the left (to turn this off).
More information on these settings is available under the Details tab, including the purpose of each of the cookies (seeFigure 2).
If you choose "Deny," know that certain functions on the website may not work correctly for you.
You can change your level of consent or withdraw your consent at any time. Look for the Cookiebot symbol (
) in the lower right-hand corner of your screen to return to the consent menu.
Figure 1: The Cookiebot consent menu, which offers choice selections via sliders for managing your cookies on Wisbar.org.
Why is the State Bar Implementing a Cookie Management Tool?
GDPR requires that individuals be informed about the use of cookies on a website and give their consent for their data to be collected and processed or to opt out of the data collection through nonessential cookies.
A cookie manager allows website visitors to easily view and manage their cookie preferences, including the option to opt out of certain types of cookies. Disabling certain cookies may prevent the site from functioning properly.
By providing a clear and easily accessible way for individuals to control their cookie settings, a website can demonstrate compliance with GDPR's requirement for obtaining informed consent for the use of cookies.
What's the Risk of Noncompliance?
The risk for noncompliance with GDPR when it comes to cookies includes fines and penalties for not obtaining informed consent, as well as reputational damage.
Additionally, noncompliance could lead to legal action taken by individuals whose personal data was collected and processed without their consent.
Figure 2. The Cookiebot's Details tab shows more information on the settings, including the purpose of each of the cookies.
Cookie Management Is Important
Implementing CookieBot helps the State Bar comply with GDPR across its web properties by allowing individuals to easily view and manage their cookie preferences, including the option to opt out of certain types of cookies.
Where to Find Out More
For more information about Wisbar.org and your privacy, see the State Bar's
privacy policy statement on Wisbar.org.
For more information about the cookie management tool used on Wisbar.org, look for the Cookiebot symbol () in the lower right-hand corner of your screen to return to the consent menu then click on the "About" tab.
