@dalias @codinghorror in analogy:
EU made it illegal to “sucker punch people” ie collect personal data without consent. That’s not the same as legit personal data collection eg an online shop needs your delivery address to mail your order you just made to you.
Cookie banners are basically giving someone a quick “sorry” after punching them - it’s a loophole that shouldn’t exist. No sorry needed if you don’t punch anyone.