Browser cookies. You may have heard of them and you probably have been asked to accept or reject them numerous times, when you visit websites. But, do you actually know what browser cookies are and what purpose do they serve?
What Are Browser Cookies?
In a nutshell, browser cookies, or simply “cookies”, are just small text files that websites place on your computer to remember information about you and your browsing habits. That said, cookies also raise important concerns about consumer privacy.
How Do Cookies Work?
I like to think of cookies as little digital ID cards. So, when you visit a website, its web server sends a cookie to your browser. Your browser will then save this cookie and every time you revisit that particular website, your browser sends the cookie back to the web server. This allows the website to “remember” you, your preferences and your historical behavior with respect to the website.
What Kind of Information Do Cookies Store?
Cookies can store a variety of information that include the following.
Login Details
Cookies can be used to remember your username and password so you don’t have to re-enter them every time you visit a site.
Preferences
Browser settings such language, theme and location can be stored in cookies to provide a more targeted and personalized experience.
Shopping Cart Info
E-commerce websites, such as those utilizing WooCommerce, use cookies to remember what items you have added to your cart, even when you leave and come back later.
Browsing History
Cookies can track the pages you visit within a website, allowing the website to present you with content and recommendations based on your preferences and browsing habits within that website.
Advertising Data
Third-party cookies are those that are able to track your browsing activity across multiple websites, and in so doing, create a profile for targeted advertising.
Types of Cookies
Here are the various types of cookies used today.
First-Party Cookies
These are implemented by the website you are directly visiting. They are generally used for essential functionality, like remembering your login details or items added to your shopping cart.
Third-Party Cookies
These are established by a domain other than the website you are visiting. They are typically used by advertisers as a means to track your browsing activity across different websites.
Session Cookies
These cookies are temporary and expire when you close your browser. They are mostly used to maintain your session on a website, such as keeping you logged in.
Persistent Cookies
These cookies are left on your computer for a set period of time, even after you close your browser. They can be used to remember your preferences or track your activity over time.
Privacy Concerns
While cookies serve an important function for many websites, third-party cookies have raised serious privacy concerns. The ability to track users’ browsing habits across different websites enables advertisers to build detailed user profiles and target them with personalized ads, which some may find intrusive. This is why many browsers are now blocking or limiting third-party cookies by default.
Managing Your Cookies
Believe it or not, you actually have control over how your browser handles cookies. Therefore, you can:
Block all Cookies
This can prevent all websites from putting cookies on your computer. However, it may reduce or disable some website functionalities.
Block Third-Party Cookies
Under this scenario, you can still allow first-party while blocking third-party cookies (used for tracking). This is a good compromise for privacy.
Clear Existing Cookies
When you clear your browser cache, this will delete all cookies stored on your computer.
Manage Cookie Preferences for Specific Websites
Most browsers make it possible for you to customize cookie settings for specific websites.
While browser cookies offer convenience and personalization, they are also associated with privacy concerns, particularly regarding third-party tracking.
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