Unfortunately culprit may the privacy laws, irrespective of their good intentions, precisely because the 'banner' does not materially do anything but create an arbitrary annoyance.

It's not a better experience, it's a worse experience, because users will click on 'whatever' and therefore the goal of the privacy laws are not met.

Given the current situation - things would be improved by merely providing users with a consistent way to check on cookie status aka with a 'privacy link' up top that always gives clear info about privacy - but with no popup.

Or - given the current situation - it may be more appropriate to be more assertive with privacy and not allow one-click opt-in because it's just too much?

The fact is, the popups are just bad - the don't accomplish what the are trying to accomplish and we need a more UX friendly way to regulate. Which could be lighter or more restricting, one way or another.

I think we should accept that certain kinds of tracking should be allowed by default for many cases. It don't think it's a violation of privacy for companies to map an individuals experience across their property, as long as user is anonymous, there are other checks etc. Sharing data between sites is completely another thing altogether.