The UK Information Commissioner's Office has drafted an upcoming law which requires that cookies be opt-in for websites. You can read more information here.

There is quite a bit of confusion about what this means exactly. The schedule of implementation was delayed already once and many think that even if it does go into effect, it will be an empty gesture.

The way the EU cookie law crumbles

Whether it is about cookies or about privacy as the UK Government Digital Services blog puts it, the law will eventually come into effect and radically change the way that large websites operate.

It isn't quite clear how the UK government has jurisdiction outside of the UK since the internet is obviously international and websites outside of the UK that operate and or have clients within the UK may be effected.

What if a website is owned and operated by a UK owner but who's hosting is outside the UK? or the opposite? The issue has so many twists and turns and the answers not clear.

Most are waiting to see what will happen once the deadline of May 26th arrives. If no one will be actually prosecuted then everyone will continue to ignore the issue. 

Personally, I think this is not a well thought out piece of legislation and even if the UK government attempts to implement it and prosecute websites, it will end up in court and be thrown out.