The Netherlands applies specific requirements for cookie consent, governed by the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/CE) and the GDPR. Here's what your Axeptio banner must comply with to be compliant.
What your widget must contain
A widget compliant with Dutch requirements must:
Inform about the processing of personal data and its purpose — the user must understand why cookies are placed and by whom.
Allow active choice — the user must be able to accept or refuse cookies explicitly.
Offer withdrawal of consent as simple as granting it — if accepting takes one click, refusing must also take only one click.
Use simple and understandable terms — avoid legal jargon in the text displayed to the user.
Mention strictly necessary cookies — specify that they are exempt from consent.
What the banner must display
From the first screen, your banner must display:
All choices in a visible manner — acceptance and refusal options must be at the same visual level, without implicit hierarchy.
The number of partners involved in data processing.
A link to your cookie policy, accessible from the first screen.
What the banner must not do
❌ Contain discreet links in the text to refuse cookies — refusal must be a visible button, at the same level as acceptance.
❌ Pre-check boxes or present acceptance as the default option.
Allow the user to reconsider their choices
The user must be able to modify their preferences at any time, even after giving their consent. Remember to make your widget accessible from all pages of your site (via a floating button or a footer link, for example).