Scummy scaremongers preying on start-ups

Start-ups are getting irritated by a company that appears to be capitalising on the EU’s new cookie directive with scaremongering spam.

Unsolicited email is nothing new for start-ups: grubby recruitment firms, about which The Kernel is shortly to release a report, are universally loathed for their aggressive tactics and hilariously misjudged and irrelevant pitches.

But thanks to the batshit crazy EU cookie directive, a new market has opened up for low-lying pond scum keen to capitalise on the anxiety prompted by Neelie “cookie monster” Kroes’ barmy directives.

For an example of this shameless opportunism, cast your eye over this email from BlueStream Developments, which has forwarded to The Kernel from a number of companies irritated with the company’s heavy-handed spamming.

From: BlueStream Developments Ltd
Subject: Is your website in breach of EU Law?

Are you aware of the new Law regarding Cookie access? Do you know that it could cost your business thousands?

The Law which applies to how you use cookies and similar technologies for storing information on a user’s equipment such as their computer or mobile device changed on the 25th May 2011. This affects any business where the use of a cookie type device does involve the processing of personal data, services providers will need to make sure they comply with the additional requirement of the Data Protection Act (1998). This also includes the Third data protection principle, where data controllers must not process personal data that is excessive.

Where a person operates and owns an online service that utilizes any form of cookie type devices within the site, that person will be liable for complying with the regulations. Failure to comply with those regulations will result in a FINE that will be enforce by the Information Commissioners Office.

If you are concerned that you’re website is not complying with this Law then let one of our trained account managers see if your site is within the standards set out by the Information Commissioners Office.

Remember it is your responsibility as a website owner and operator, to make sure that your website is complying.

Do not hesitate to call one of our trained Account Managers now to potentially save your business thousands.

Peering through a fog of dodgy grammar, the message here is: pay us fees or the EU will fine you.

Fortunately, most companies – including every major media group in the UK, as far as we can tell – are ignoring the latest barmy bit of red tape from Brussels. But for those worried about the potential consequences of the EU, and who can blame them, this is just the sort of parasitic enterprise we feared might spring up.

At the time of going to press, BlueStream had not returned a request for comment from The Kernel, not that we’d be particularly interested in what they had to say. Start-ups beware: it’s a jungle of opportunistic service companies out there.