More and more websites are using videos to engage their visitors. Videos can be a powerful way to get your message across. But did you know that showing YouTube videos on your website also falls under the rules for marketing cookies? 🤔 Here’s what you need to know about embedding YouTube videos on your website, and why you should seek permission from your visitors before showing these videos.
Why marketing content for YouTube videos? 🔒
When you post a YouTube video on your website, YouTube automatically loads cookies that collect information about visitors. These cookies fall under the marketing category and therefore require explicit permission from your visitors. Without this permission, the video may not be played.
What has changed? 🔄
Changes have recently been made for websites that integrate YouTube videos. Here’s how it works now:
- Automatic blocking of videos without permission: As soon as a YouTube video is placed on your website, the video URL changes. This prevents the video from loading automatically.
- Replacement button in case of missing consent: If a visitor has not yet agreed to marketing cookies, they do not see the video, but a button. This button asks them to accept the marketing cookies.
- Video only visible after acceptance: When the visitor accepts the cookies, the video is loaded and can be viewed. 🟢
- YouTube cookies only after permission: The test showed that YouTube cookies are loaded only when the video actually plays after cookie acceptance. This provides additional privacy protection.
What are tracking cookies?Aleid Wolfsen, chairman of the Personal Data Authority (AP), explains: “Tracking cookies, also called tracking software, enable organizations to track your internet behavior. However, this is not allowed without your explicit consent and without clearly informing you. After all, your Internet activities are very personal.” An organization may only track your behavior if you explicitly consent. In addition, you must always have the option to refuse these tracking cookies, without any negative consequences for you.” https://youtu.be/3qplLdZ_9Jo?si=4F7ItcEVHMQAdViv
What does this mean for your website? 🌐
This system of cookie management offers clear benefits to your visitors:
- Better control over privacy: Visitors can decide if they want to accept marketing cookies before watching the video. This gives them more control over their personal information.
- Compliance with the AVG (GDPR): By taking this approach, you comply with European privacy laws, which require users to explicitly consent to the use of cookies for marketing purposes.
Fine for Kruidvat: a warning 🚨
The importance of privacy protection is clear from recent events. For example, Kruidvat Netherlands was fined as much as €600,000 for collecting private data without consent. This shows that failure to comply with privacy laws can have serious financial and legal consequences.
Conclusion 💡
Putting YouTube videos on your website is a great way to increase engagement, but it’s important to do so in an AVG-compliant way. Make sure your visitors are always given the choice to accept marketing cookies before they can play videos. That way you protect their privacy and comply with regulations! 🔒 Privacy first, marketing second! 🔒
