Provides website and mobile application users the right to refuse non-essential cookies

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Rachel May says this is needed

Current practice on many websites and mobile applications requires users to navigate multiple steps, confusing interfaces, or deliberately obscured options to refuse non-essential cookies. Users are frequently presented with a prominent "Accept All" button while the option to reject cookies is buried in settings menus or presented in smaller, less visible text. This design pattern prioritizes data collection over user choice. Non-essential cookies are used for data analytics, marketing, and track- ing user behavior across websites. While these functions may benefit operators, they are not required for basic website functionality. Users have a legitimate interest in refusing data collection that is not necessary to access the services they seek. This bill ensures that refusing non-essential cookies is as simple as accepting them. By requiring operators to present refusal options at the same level and in the same configuration as acceptance options, the bill eliminates design tactics that steer users toward consent. The bill also prevents operators from repeatedly asking users to reconsider their decision, a practice that burdens users and underlines the effectiveness of their initial refusal. The enforcement mechanism provides the Attorney General with authority to address violations and impose penalties sufficient to deter non-com- pliance.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.