What are cookies? Cookies are small text files sent by the website you’re visiting on the computer or device you’re using. If accepted, these cookies are stored on the web browser of your device. Cookies can then track and collect data from your browser, sending that data back to the website owner.
If you’re surfing the web and see a pop-up notice that asks you to accept cookies, then you’ve already encountered this recurring decision. While the simple click of a button to accept cookies may seem harmless, the real solution requires a bit more depth.
Is accepting cookies a bad thing? It depends on the website. It depends on who will gain access to your data and what they will do with it, along with whether declining cookies will affect your ability to use that site.
Keep in mind not all cookies are the same. Some cookies are placed by first parties like the sites you visit, while others are placed by third parties like advertisers.
Cookies can be an optional part of your internet experience. If you so choose, you can limit what cookies end up on your computer or mobile device.
If you allow cookies, it will streamline your surfing. For some users, no cookies security risk is more important than a convenient internet experience.
Here’s how to allow cookies:
- Find the cookie section - typically under Settings > Privacy.
- Click the boxes to allow cookies. Sometimes the option says "Allow local data".
- If you don’t want cookies, you can simply uncheck these boxes.
Removing cookies can help you mitigate your risks of privacy breaches. It can also reset your browser tracking and personalization. It could make certain websites harder to navigate. Without cookies Internet, users may have to re-enter their data for each visit. Different browsers store cookies in different places, but usually, you can:
- Find the Settings, Privacy section - sometimes listed under Tools, Internet Options, or Advanced.
- Follow the prompts on the available options to manage or remove cookies.
Before removing cookies, evaluate the ease of use expected from a website that uses cookies. In most cases, cookies improve the web experience, but they should be handled carefully.
In the future, you can anonymize your web use by using a virtual private network (VPN). These services tunnel your web connection to a remote server that poses as you. Cookies will be labeled for that remote server in another country, instead of your local computer.
Regardless of how you handle cookies, it’s best to remain on guard and clean up your cookies often.
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