What Is A Web Cookie

A web cookie refers to a small piece of data sent from a website and stored on the user's computer by the user's web browser while the user is browsing.

Definition and Basic Function

A web cookie, commonly just called a "cookie," is a small file stored on a user's device by the web browser at the request of a website. Cookies are designed to be a reliable mechanism for websites to remember stateful information or to record the user's browsing activity.

Types of Cookies

• Session Cookies: These are temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser. They are used to manage sessions on a website, such as keeping you logged in as you navigate the site.
• Persistent Cookies: These cookies remain on your device for a set period specified in the cookie. They are activated each time you visit the website that created that particular cookie. Persistent cookies are used for remembering your preferences and making subsequent visits seamless.
• Third-party Cookies: These are set by a domain other than the one you are currently visiting. They are often used for tracking and online-advertising purposes, allowing advertisers to track your browsing history across multiple sites.

How Cookies Work

When you visit a website, the site sends a cookie to your computer. Your computer stores it in a file located inside your web browser. The next time you visit that site, your browser sends the cookie back to the website. This allows the site to recognise you and remember things like your preferences.

Uses of Cookies

• Authentication: Cookies help web servers recognise you and keep you logged in.
• Personalisation: Websites use cookies to store personal preferences, such as your language choice or region, enhancing your browsing experience.
• Tracking: Cookies can track your browsing activities, which is useful for targeted advertising or analytics.
• Session Management: Cookies facilitate session management for things like shopping carts in e-commerce sites or any form of user input that needs to be remembered.

Privacy and Security Concerns

Cookies have raised privacy concerns as they can be used to track users' browsing history. In response, many countries have enacted privacy laws that dictate how cookies can be used. The UK, for instance, follows the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), which require websites to obtain consent from users before storing cookies on their devices.

Managing Cookies

Web browsers allow you to manage cookies. You can choose to accept or refuse cookies, and you can delete cookies that are already on your computer. Most browsers also offer a private browsing mode, where cookies are deleted after you close the browser session.

The Future of Cookies

The future of cookies is uncertain, with evolving privacy concerns and regulations. There's a shift towards more privacy-focused alternatives, such as fingerprinting or local storage. However, as of now, cookies remain a fundamental part of web browsing.

Conclusion

In summary, cookies are an essential part of the internet experience, facilitating various functionalities from user authentication to personalisation and tracking. While they are useful, they also raise significant privacy concerns, leading to stricter regulations and a possible shift in the technology used for tracking and personalisation in the future.