A Tour of the Cookie Jar
April 3, 2024
Have you ever visited a website and been prompted to accept cookies? If you are like many internet users, you might not fully understand what cookies are or how they affect your online presence and experiences significantly. We will explore the world of website cookies, demystifying their purpose and implications for your privacy and browsing habits.
What are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites store on your computer or mobile device when you visit them. These cookies contain information about your browsing behavior, preferences, identify your device etc. Data stored in a cookie is created by the server upon your connection. This data is labeled with an ID unique to you and your computer and the network server, the server reads the ID and knows specifically what to serve you.
Why are Cookies used?
Cookies are utilized for a multitude of purposes in the digital world. They facilitate session management by preserving user interactions within a browsing session, including items in a shopping cart and login status. Furthermore, cookies enable personalization by remembering user preferences and settings, thus enhancing the browsing experience, they also play a crucial role in authentication processes, simplifying login procedures and allowing access to restricted content. They are also instrumental in tracking user behavior and collecting analytics data, aiding website optimization and content tailoring. In the realm of advertising, cookies are pivotal for delivering targeted ads based on users' browsing history and interests, fostering more effective advertising strategies. Moreover, cookies are indispensable for enabling various website functionalities and features, ensuring seamless navigation and user interaction. Overall, while cookies serve to enhance website functionality and user experience, it is essential to uphold user privacy and data protection standards.
First Party cookies are the ones that are set by the website you are currently visiting. These are created and stored by the website’s domain directly into your browser. First Party cookies are commonly used for purposes such as session management, personalization, authentication and tracking user behavior within the website. First party cookies are considered less invasive from a privacy standpoint, as they are typically used for purposes directly related to the website you are interacting with.