European authorities consider "cookies" and "spam".

The European Union member states have agreed to draft legislation that would require computer software makers to notify consumers of the presence of "cookies," tracking devices that enable a Web site to track visitors. In addition, the EU Council of Ministers reaffirmed its agreement that unsolicited or "spam" email should be outlawed. However, the European Parliament has taken the position that the decision to outlaw spam emails should be left to each member state.

The Council of Ministers and the European Parliament are the two legislative bodies with the power to make EU laws. Unlike the European Parliament, the Council of Ministers prefers a so-called "opt-in" …