What Are Cookies?

What Are Cookies?

Every website you visit asks for your permission to store “cookies” on your device — but what exactly are they?

Cookies are small data files that websites use to remember your preferences, login details, and browsing activity.

They help make your online experience smoother and more personalized — but they also raise important privacy questions.

What Are Cookies?

A cookie is a small text file saved on your device when you visit a website.

It helps websites “remember” you — for example:

• Keeping you logged in after closing the browser.
• Remembering what’s in your shopping cart.
• Saving your preferred language or theme.

When you accept cookies, your browser stores these files and sends them back to the website each time you visit again.

Each cookie has a unique ID that helps the website recognize your device securely.

 Example locations (Windows):

• Chrome → C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Network
• Firefox → C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles
• Edge → C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default\Network

• Types of Cookies

Cookies come in different types based on how long they last, where they come from, and what they do:

1- By Lifespan

• Session Cookies – Temporary files that are deleted when you close your browser.
• Persistent Cookies – Stored for longer periods to remember login or settings.

2- By Origin

• First-Party Cookies – Created by the website you’re visiting. Used for login, preferences, or analytics.
• Third-Party Cookies – Created by ads or embedded content from other websites (used for tracking and marketing).

3- By Function

• Essential Cookies – Necessary for basic website features (e.g., login, navigation).
• Functional Cookies – Enhance usability (e.g., saving language or region).
• Performance Cookies – Collect anonymous data to improve website speed and content.
• Targeting Cookies – Track behavior to deliver personalized ads or recommendations.

4- By Security

• Secure Cookies – Sent only through encrypted HTTPS connections.
• HttpOnly Cookies – Hidden from scripts to prevent unauthorized access (extra protection).
• Privacy and Security Concerns

While most cookies are harmless, third-party cookies can track your behavior across multiple websites — building a detailed profile of your activity.

This data can be used for advertising or analytics, raising privacy concerns.

To protect users, laws like GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive require:

• Websites to obtain explicit consent before saving cookies.
• Clear cookie policies explaining how data is collected and used.

That’s why you see cookie consent pop-ups — they ensure compliance and user transparency.

• How to Manage or Block Cookies

Modern browsers let you control or delete cookies anytime:

Google Chrome:

Go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Third-Party Cookies.

Mozilla Firefox:

Settings → Privacy & Security → Browser Privacy (choose Strict or Custom).

Microsoft Edge:

Settings → Privacy, Search, and Services → Cookies and Site Permissions.

Opera:

Settings → Privacy & Security → Third-Party Cookies.

You can also clear all stored cookies or block third-party ones for extra privacy.

Updated on: 03/11/2025