> But how does one avoid asking every time when cookies are blocked? What other implementation option is possible? This is what cookies are for.

Local storage? Detect if cookies are blocked? Or, simply don't use cookies for purposes other than providing the service - which exempts you from the need to show the message?

> Or, simply don't use cookies for purposes other than providing the service

This, or as a minimum: Don't track people who has the DNT header set.

You mean the DNT header which is set by default in browsers? Then we can simplify your proposal to: "Don't track people"

You say this as if you're thinking that tracking is a normal thing to do to your users. I'm happy GDPR is fixing such misconceptions.

The only browser that set it by default was IE, and Microsoft ended that with Windows 10.

I've seen different Linux distros have it as default both for Firefox and Chromium as well.

But yes, the userbase for those is so small that we can assume that people with the header on simply don't want to be tracked.

Cookies don't matter. Personally identifiable information matters. Storing a "seen_cookie_notice=true" flag is fine (assuming the banner itself indicates that interacting with it will set the flag) as long as you don't use it for anything else.

The GP does not store cookies. How will the site store the seen_cookie_notice?

I wish browsers had a "do track" option which told every website: yes I consent, do what you want, just don't show me a popup. These cookies banners and GDPR popups have ruined the web.

So ads that follow you everywhere and inescapable email signup forms haven't done it, but "cookies banners and GDPR popups have ruined the web". Got it.

I know you are being sarcastic, but honestly yes. I'm not too bothered about being tracked and having targeted ads. It doesn't negatively affect my experience. My ad-blocker takes care of most of the ads anyway.

These intrusive popups and banners, on the other hand — especially the new post-GDPR in-your-face ones which I have to dismiss before I can even read a simple article — have ruined the user experience of the web. And my ad blocker doesn't seem to be able to block them.

There are lists that can block these popups, if that's really your main concern. Still, I think saying that they're the bigger problem than the pervasive tracking they try to protect their users against, including only casual users, is a bit much.

I can only speak for myself. The popuips are the bigger problem.

There's a lot of hand wringing about tracking but what harm does it actually do?