The Truth About Browser Cookies
Browser cookies are tiny text files stored on your smartphone, tablet or computer by websites. Once you log in, browser cookies help websites remember your information, such as preferences and browsing activity. They also automatically recall items in your cart, remember language preferences and even your login data. Browser cookies allow for personalization and robust tracking of your online activities.
How Do Browser Cookies Work?
Browser cookies are simple. They get triggered when you visit a website, as that website sends cookies to your browser, which then stores them on your device. The next time you visit that site, the cookies are triggered, sending the data back to the website. You’ll probably start to recognize browser cookies now, as you’ll see a pop-up on a website asking you to accept or reject data for browser cookies.
Five Types of Browser Cookies
There are five types of browser cookies.
- Session Cookies – Session browser cookies are temporary, meaning they are deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent Cookies – These browser cookies are stored on your device long after you close the browser and have an extended expiration date, such as one week, a month or even years.
- Zombie Cookies – Zombie browser cookies are persistent cookies used for tracking and are difficult to remove from devices.
- First-Party Cookies – As suggested, first-party browser cookies are set by the website you are currently active on and visiting.
- Third-Party Cookies – Third-party browser cookies are set by a website other than the one you are currently active on. These types of browser cookies are commonly used for advertising purposes and tracking. For example, social media sites post advertisements with links. When consumers click those links, they activate third-party browser cookies, which helps businesses keep track of active user engagement for advertisement purposes.
Privacy and Security Concerns Surrounding Browser Cookies
As with any online data, browser cookies raise privacy concerns; while typically harmless, they can be used to track your behavior and collect personal data that may be sold. However, there are ways to opt out of browser cookies or to delete your browsing cookies periodically. Always read the fine print or reject browser cookies if you don’t want to have websites track you.
How to Delete Your Browser Cookies
Here is information to help you delete or manage your browser cookies based on your specific internet browser.
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