What Is A Cookie?
When you surf the internet, you leave behind a record of your online activity. The sites you visit, the links you click on and the information you enter are all stored somewhere.
Cookies are part of this record. In this article we will explain what a cookie is, how it works and how it can affect your online experience.
Why Were Cookies Invented?
A cookie is a small text file that is stored on your computer or mobile device by a website you visit. The cookie file contains information about your activity on the site, such as the pages you have visited, the links you have clicked on and the information you have entered.
Cookies were invented to improve the user experience on websites. For example, if you visit an e-commerce site, a cookie may record the products you have viewed or added to your shopping cart. When you return to the site later, the site may use this information to show you similar products or remind you of items you have already added to your shopping cart.
How Do Cookies Work?
When you visit a website, it may send a cookie to your web browser. Your browser then stores the cookie on your computer or mobile device. When you return to the site later, your browser sends the file to the site, allowing the site to recognize your device and personalize your visit.
There are two main types of cookies: session cookies and persistent cookies. Session cookies are stored temporarily on your computer or mobile device and are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies, on the other hand, are stored on your computer or mobile device until they expire, or you manually delete them.
How Do Cookies Affect Your Online Experience?
Cookies can enhance your online experience by providing personalised features and making it easier for you to navigate websites. However, they can also be used for advertising or tracking purposes, which can be considered a violation of privacy.
For example, some websites use cookies to track your online activity and show you targeted ads based on your interests. While this may seem convenient, it also means that companies can track your online activity and know more about you than you would like.
It is important to note that there are new regulations and laws regarding cookies, including Bill 25 in Quebec. This law requires websites to inform users of the collection of their data and obtain their consent before placing cookies on their device. It aims to protect users’ privacy by giving them control over their personal data. It is important to be aware of these laws and regulations to understand your rights and obligations as an online user.
How Can You Manage Cookies?
Most web browsers allow you to manage cookies by changing your browser settings. You can choose to accept all cookies, reject them, or only accept cookies from sites you trust. You can also choose to delete existing cookies from your browser.
Here’s how to manage cookies on some popular browsers:
- Google Chrome: Click on the menu at the top right of the window, select ‘Settings’, scroll down, and click on ‘Advanced Settings’. Under “Privacy and Security”, click on “Content Settings”. You can then manage your cookie settings.
- Mozilla Firefox: Click on the menu at the top right of the window, select “Options”, click on “Privacy and Security” in the left-hand menu, then click on “Cookies and Site Data”. You can then manage your cookie settings.
- Microsoft Edge: Click on the menu at the top right of the window, select “Settings”, click on “Privacy, search and services” in the left-hand menu, then click on “Cookies and site data”. You can then manage your cookie settings.
Conclusion:
Cookies are an integral part of our online experience. They can provide personalised features and improve website navigation, but they can also be used for advertising or tracking purposes, which can raise privacy concerns. It is important to understand what a cookie is and how it works so that you can effectively manage your cookie settings and protect your privacy online. By using your browser’s cookie management tools, you can control the data that websites can collect about you and thus protect your online privacy.