A computer cookie—also known as a web cookie, browser cookie, or HTTP cookie—is a small text file that a website stores on your device to remember information about you and your activity online.
🍪 What Does a Cookie Do?
Cookies help websites:
- ✅ Remember your login credentials
- 🛒 Save items in your shopping cart
- 🌐 Store preferences like language or theme
- 📊 Track your browsing behavior for analytics or advertising
They’re essential for a smooth, personalized web experience—but they also raise privacy concerns.
🧬 How Cookies Work
- You visit a website.
- The website sends a cookie to your browser.
- Your browser stores the cookie locally.
- When you revisit the site, your browser sends the cookie back.
- The site uses the cookie to recognize you and retrieve stored data.
This process allows websites to “remember” you without storing your data on their servers.
🧠 Types of Cookies
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Session Cookies | Temporary; deleted when you close your browser. |
| Persistent Cookies | Stored for a set time; used for login info or preferences. |
| Third-Party Cookies | Set by domains other than the one you’re visiting; often used for ads. |
⚠️ Privacy Implications
Cookies can be used to build detailed profiles of your online behavior. That’s why many websites now ask for your consent before storing non-essential cookies, especially in regions like the EU.
To block tracking cookies and protect your privacy, here are some effective steps you can take across popular browsers:
🔒 How to Block Tracking Cookies
🧭 Google Chrome
- Go to Settings → Privacy and Security.
- Click Cookies and other site data.
- Select Block third-party cookies.
- Enable Send a “Do Not Track” request with your browsing traffic.
▶️ Watch this quick guide for step-by-step instructions.
🧑💻 Microsoft Edge
- Open Settings → Privacy, search, and services.
- Under Tracking prevention, choose Strict.
- Scroll to Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies.
- Choose to Block third-party cookies.
📘 Microsoft’s official guide offers detailed steps.
🍎 Safari (Mac/iOS)
- Go to Settings → Safari.
- Toggle on Prevent Cross-Site Tracking.
- Enable Block All Cookies (optional—may affect site functionality).
🦊 Mozilla Firefox
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Security.
- Under Enhanced Tracking Protection, choose Strict.
- You can also manage cookies under Cookies and Site Data.
🧠 Pro Tip: Use Privacy Extensions
- uBlock Origin
- Privacy Badger
- Ghostery
These tools block trackers and cookies automatically while you browse.
