What Are Internet Cookies and Are They Good or Bad?

When you browse the web, you’ve probably encountered pop-ups asking for your consent to use cookies. But what exactly are these cookies, and why do websites use them? Are they harmless, or do they pose privacy risks?

In this blog post, we’ll break down what internet cookies are, how they function, and the advantages and drawbacks they bring to your browsing experience. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of their role in the digital world, how they impact privacy, and whether you should be concerned.

What are Internet Cookies and How do They Work?

Internet cookies are small data files stored on your device by websites you visit. They help sites remember your preferences, login details, and browsing activity to enhance your experience. While cookies can improve functionality and personalization, they also raise privacy concerns as they can track user behavior for advertising and analytics.

There are different types of browser cookies, including session cookies (temporary) and persistent cookies (long-term tracking). Managing cookies through browser settings can help balance convenience and privacy.

1. Session Cookies (Temporary)

Session cookies are temporary cookies that are erased once you close your browser. They help websites remember things like items in your shopping cart or login status during a single visit but do not store data long-term.

2. Persistent Cookies (Long-Term Tracking)

Persistent cookies remain on your device even after you close your browser. They store preferences, login details, and tracking information for future visits, helping websites personalize content and advertisements based on your browsing habits.

What Are the Difference Between Session and Cookies?

The main difference between session storage and cookies is how they store small files, data and their lifespan:

• Session: stores data temporarily and deletes it when the user closes the browser or ends the session. It’s primarily used for temporary interactions within a single visit.
• Cookies: can store data either temporarily (session cookies) or persistently (persistent cookies). Persistent cookies remain on the user's device even after closing the browser and are often used for tracking, authentication, and personalization.

Cookies also have size limitations and are sent with every HTTP request, potentially impacting performance.

Why Cookies Are Called Cookies?

The term "cookies" comes from "magic cookies," a concept from early computing referring to small piece of data exchanged between programs.

Web cookies were named after this because they store small pieces of information that help websites remember user preferences, login details, and browsing activity. The idea was inspired by fortune cookies, which contain hidden messages, similar to how web cookies store data behind the scenes to improve the browsing experience.

Are Internet Cookies Good or Bad?

Internet cookies can be both good and bad. They enhance user experience by remembering preferences, login details, and site settings. However, they can also raise privacy concerns by tracking browsing behavior for targeted advertising.

While some cookies improve website functionality, others may collect data without users fully realizing it. Managing cookies through browser settings can help balance convenience and privacy.

Reasons Internet Cookies Can Be Bad

1. Internet privacy risks: cookies can be exploited by hackers to steal personal information.
2. Web browser tracking: some cookies track online activities for targeted ads, potentially leading to data misuse. Websites may store and share sensitive data without clear user consent, raising privacy concerns.
3. Slow browsing experience: too many stored cookies can slow down browser performance.
4. Third-party tracking: many cookies come from advertisers, not the site you're visiting.

Reasons Internet Cookies Can Be Good

1. Improved user experience: websites remember preferences, logins, and shopping carts.
2. Faster browsing: pages load quicker by storing cached data.
3. Seamless website functionality: some cookies are necessary for sites to work correctly.
4. Personalized content: websites tailor recommendations and settings based on past visits.
5. Easier authentication: auto-login features save time and reduce password entry hassle.

How Can Users Manage and Control Internet Cookies on Their Web Browsers?

Internet cookies help improve the browsing experience, but they can also raise privacy concerns. By managing cookies on your browser, you can find a balance between convenience and security. Whether you want to delete old cookies, block tracking from third-party sites, or adjust settings to fit your needs, modern browsers give you plenty of options.

Using Private Browsers

Users can manage cookies by adjusting browser settings to block or delete them, enabling "Do Not Track" requests, and using privacy-focused browsers.

Private browsers like Tor or Brave have built-in features that block third-party cookies automatically. These browsers prevent cookies from tracking your online activities across websites, which is a core part of their privacy-focused design.

By blocking small pieces of data, private browsers protect your online privacy, preventing sensitive information from being stored or shared without your consent. This improves your browsing experience by reducing the risk of unauthorized data collection while keeping your online activities secure.

Adding Browser Extensions

Browser extensions can block various types of cookies by automatically identifying and blocking tracking cookies from third-party sites. They typically allow users to set preferences, such as blocking all cookies, only third-party cookies, or those from specific sites. These extensions improve online privacy by preventing unwanted data collection and tracking of online activities.

Popular extensions includes:

• Privacy Badger
• uBlock Origin
• Cookie AutoDelete

Clear Cookies and Cache

Most browsers allow users to clear cookies and cache manually or set automatic deletion after each session, enhancing privacy by removing stored data about online activities and personal data. However, it also means losing saved login credentials, site preferences, and shopping cart items, requiring you to re-enter information frequently.

Disable Third-Party Cookies

Third-party cookies can often be disabled to reduce tracking. To disable third-party cookies, you need to:

• Navigate to your browser's settings,
• Find the privacy or cookies section,
• Turn off third-party cookie tracking.

This prevents advertisers and websites from monitoring your online activities across different sites, enhancing privacy and reducing targeted ads. However, some websites may not function correctly, as third-party cookies are often used for login authentication and personalized content. While disabling them improves data security, it may lead to a less personalized browsing experience and require manual logins on certain sites.

Use Incognito/Private Mode

Incognito or Private Mode is a feature available in most modern browsers that allows you to browse the web without saving any cookies, search history, or cached data. When you use this mode, any cookies that are created during your browsing session are deleted once you close the window. This helps maintain your privacy by not leaving a trace of your online activities.

For those looking to take their privacy one step further, the Wave Browser offers built-in features that go beyond traditional incognito modes. With Wave, you can block third-party cookies and enhance your browsing experience with stronger privacy settings.

What Happens if You Don't Accept Cookies?

If you don’t accept the use of cookies, some websites may not function properly. You might experience issues like being logged out of accounts, preferences not being saved, and certain features (like shopping carts or personalized recommendations) not working.

Some sites may even block access entirely if cookies are required. However, refusing cookies can enhance your online privacy by preventing tracking and data collection from advertisers and third parties. It’s a trade-off between convenience and privacy, and most browsers allow you to customize your cookie settings for better control.

Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Cookies

How Does Google Chrome Use Cookies?

Google Chrome uses cookies to store information about your browsing sessions, preferences, and login details. These cookies allow websites to remember your activity, making your online experience more efficient and personalized. Chrome also provides tools to manage and delete cookies, enhancing your control over privacy settings.

In July 2024, Google — the most used search engine — announced a significant change regarding its approach to third-party cookies in the Chrome browser. After years of planning to phase out these cookies, Google reversed its decision and stated that it would continue to support them.

This reversal came after extensive discussions with regulators, advertisers, and other stakeholders. The initial plan to eliminate third-party cookies was part of Google's Privacy Sandbox initiative, aimed at enhancing user privacy while still allowing advertisers to target audiences effectively. However, the company faced challenges in developing alternative solutions that balanced privacy concerns with the needs of the advertising industry.

Are There Any Data Privacy Laws Regarding Cookies in the United States?

In the United States, there isn't a single, nationwide law that governs cookies in the same way the European Union's GDPR does. However, there are various state-level and federal laws that touch upon data privacy, particularly when it comes to cookies and the collection of personal data.

Below are some key regulations and frameworks affecting cookie usage and user's web browser:

1. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

Enacted in 2020, the CCPA provides California residents with greater control over their personal data, including data collected via cookies. Under the CCPA, individuals can request information about what personal data is being collected, delete their data, and opt out of its sale. Websites must disclose their data collection practices, including cookie usage, to comply with the law.

2. California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)

Building on the CCPA, the CPRA was introduced in 2023 to offer more specific privacy protections. It emphasizes users' rights around cookies and user consent for data collection. This law further refines privacy regulations, giving consumers more control over how their data is shared and used.

3. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

Enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), COPPA protects children under the age of 13 online. For websites targeting children, this law mandates that parental consent must be obtained before collecting any personal data, including data gathered through cookies.

4. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act

While not cookie-specific, the FTC Act prohibits unfair or deceptive practices. This includes cookie usage if businesses aren’t transparent about how they collect or use personal data. If companies are misleading users about their cookie practices or violating user privacy expectations, they could face legal consequences.

5. Online Privacy Protection Act (OPPA)

The OPPA applies to online services aimed at California residents, requiring operators to provide a privacy policy that details their data collection practices. This includes cookies, and the law mandates that users are informed about how their data is collected and used.

What Does This Mean for Cookie Usage?

Though there isn’t a comprehensive federal law like the GDPR in the U.S., these laws still impact how cookies are used. They emphasize the need for transparency, user consent, and control over personal data, including cookie data. With states like California leading the way, businesses need to stay up to date on data privacy laws to ensure they comply with cookie-related regulations.