ICO updates storage and access technologies guidance
Published: 29/04/2026
| ICO
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has published its latest guidance covering storage and access technologies, as well as an update to its online tracking strategy. The release comes alongside the publication of updated direct marketing using electronic mail guidance to cover the new charitable purposes soft opt-in.
The updated storage and access technologies guidance explains how the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PEC Regulations) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) apply to tools such as cookies, tracking pixels, and device fingerprinting.
The update incorporates feedback from two consultations and reflects legislative changes introduced by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUA Act). The guidance provides organisations with new examples and a new chapter covering exceptions to the prohibition on storing or accessing information on people's devices.
While the guidance outlines the law as it currently stands, the ICO noted that this sits separately from its ongoing review of online advertising regulations. Further updates regarding the specific regulation of tracking for advertising purposes are expected in the coming weeks.
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