ACM standards
The Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) publishes guidance and enforcement information that can be used as practical audit checkpoints for websites and apps. This page collects the most useful entry points, focusing on online influence, cookies and consumer protection.
What to use this for
- Assess whether cookie banners obtain valid consent (no pre-ticked choices, clear information).
- Spot dark patterns and misleading UI (accept prominent, reject hidden, pressure language).
- Capture evidence: screenshots, click-path, network requests before/after consent.
Key topics
COOKIES
Placing cookies
Functional cookies can be placed without consent. Tracking cookies (and some analytics) require consent and clear disclosure.
ACM guidanceDARK PATTERNS
Pre-ticked boxes
Pre-ticked choices are prohibited. In practice this often shows up in CMP implementations and sign-up flows.
ACM guidanceLegal basis (primary)
ACM guidance helps interpretation, but the Dutch legal basis for cookies/end-user equipment access is primarily the Telecommunicatiewet.
Sources
- ACM (homepage)
- ACM — Cookies plaatsen
- ACM — Vooraf aangevinkte hokjes
- Telecommunicatiewet (BWBR0009950)
For the full list: Sources.