Learn what cookies are, how they affect your privacy, and how to manage them. Discover the secrets of the internet and see how to protect your data online. Do you know what information websites collect about you?
What exactly are cookies for and how should we handle them?
We often come across windows informing us about the use of cookies on websites, and yet many people still do not fully understand what they actually are and what they are for. We hasten to explain!
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on a user’s device when visiting websites. They contain a small amount of data that can be read by the server from which they originated. Cookies are designed to allow websites to recognize the user on subsequent visits, allowing them to better tailor content and services to their needs.
Cookies can store a variety of information, such as:
- Session ID – a unique identifier that allows for tracking of a user’s session.
- User Preferences – settings such as site language, preferred color theme, or font size.
- Login details – information enabling automatic login to the website.
- Activity Information – data relating to user interactions with the website, e.g. products added to the shopping cart in an online store.
Types of cookies
Cookies can be divided into several categories depending on their function and storage time.
Due to storage time:
- Session cookies – stored temporarily on the user’s device and deleted when the browser is closed. They are mainly used to track activity during a single session on the site.
- Persistent cookies – stored on the user’s device for a specified period of time, even after the browser is closed. They are used to remember user preferences and settings for a longer period of time.
By function:
- Necessary cookies – are essential for the website to function properly. Without them, some features, such as shopping carts or logging in, would not function properly.
- Functional cookies – allow websites to remember choices you make, such as the page language or region.
- Analytical cookies – collect information about how the site is used, which allows for the improvement of its functionality and content. Thanks to them, site owners can monitor traffic and analyze user behavior.
- Advertising (advertising cookies) – are used to display personalized advertisements based on the user’s online activity. They can be used to track the user across different websites and create so-called user profiles.
What are cookies used for?
One of the main purposes of using cookies is to personalize content. Cookies allow websites to “remember” user preferences and adapt the content displayed to them. For example, if you visit a website often and change the language setting to Polish, cookies can remember this choice and automatically set the language to Polish on your next visit.
Making navigation and use of the site easier
Cookies are also used to store information about user sessions, which makes it easier to navigate and use the site. For example, thanks to cookies, a shopping cart in an online store will store added products even after moving to other pages of the site.
User activity monitoring
Analytical cookies help website owners understand how users use their sites. This allows them to analyze site traffic, identify popular sections, and optimize content. This information is extremely valuable for improving service quality and increasing user satisfaction.
Displaying personalized ads
Advertising cookies are used to track user activity on the web and display personalized ads. They make ads more relevant to users’ interests, which increases the chance of their effectiveness. However, this type of cookie can also be controversial, as it can be perceived as a violation of privacy.
How to manage cookies?
Knowing how cookies work and what information is collected using them is crucial to protecting privacy online. Users have the ability to manage cookies by adjusting their browser settings or using additional tools.
Browser settings
Most web browsers allow you to manage cookies in your privacy settings. Users can:
- Block all cookies – this prevents any cookies from being stored on your device, but this may affect the functioning of some websites.
- Block third-party cookies – this limits the ability of external advertising companies to track you without affecting the functionality of the site.
- Delete cookies after the session ends – automatic deletion of cookies when closing the browser ensures greater privacy.
- Manually manage cookies – allows you to delete selected cookies or set individual preferences for each page.
Using privacy tools
Many browser extensions and antivirus programs offer additional features related to cookie management. Such tools allow you to:
- Automatically block third-party cookies.
- Anonymizing cookie tracking.
- Setting blocking rules based on cookie categories, e.g. blocking advertising cookies.
More and more browsers also offer options like “don’t track,” which tell websites that you don’t want to be tracked. While not all sites honor this feature, it does provide an extra layer of privacy protection.
Legal regulations
To protect user privacy, various legal regulations have been introduced regarding the use of cookies. In the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is in force, which requires obtaining user consent for the use of cookies. Websites must inform users about the purpose of using cookies and allow them to manage their preferences.
Cookies play a key role in the functioning of the modern internet, enabling content personalization, facilitating navigation, and improving user experience. However, their impact on privacy is controversial and leads to the introduction of new legal regulations and technological alternatives. Managing cookies, being aware of their functions and the consequences of their use are key elements of taking care of your privacy online. With the right browser settings and using privacy protection tools, you can benefit from using cookies while minimizing the risk of privacy violations.
