Cookie Tracking Explained
Understanding how cookies track you online and how to control them.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files websites store on your device. They remember login status, preferences, shopping cart contents, and track your behavior across the web.
Types of Cookies
Essential Cookies
Required for site functionality. Login sessions, shopping carts. Can't disable without breaking site.
Functional Cookies
Remember preferences like language, region. Enhance experience but not strictly necessary.
Tracking Cookies
Follow you across sites. Build behavioral profiles. Advertising and analytics. Block these.
First-Party vs Third-Party
- First-Party: Set by site you're visiting. Example: amazon.com sets cookie while you're on Amazon.
- Third-Party: Set by other domains. Advertisers, analytics companies. Track across multiple sites.
- Third-party cookies enable cross-site tracking - the main privacy concern
- Many browsers now block third-party cookies by default
How Cookie Tracking Works
You Visit Website
Site includes tracking code from ad network (Google, Facebook, etc.)
Cookie Set
Ad network drops cookie with unique ID on your browser
Tracking Begins
Cookie reports back every site you visit that uses same ad network
Profile Built
Ad network builds detailed profile of your interests and behavior
Targeted Ads
Ads follow you everywhere based on profile. "Retargeting" campaigns
Cookie Alternatives
As browsers block third-party cookies, trackers adapt:
- Browser Fingerprinting: Identify you by unique browser configuration
- CNAME Cloaking: Disguise third-party as first-party
- ETag Tracking: Cache headers used as tracking mechanism
- URL Parameters: Tracking IDs in link URLs
- LocalStorage: Store data like cookies but harder to clear
Managing Cookies
Block Third-Party
Browser settings → Privacy → Block all third-party cookies. Essential step.
Clear Regularly
Clear cookies weekly or on browser exit. Breaks tracking chains.
Use Private Mode
Incognito/Private browsing doesn't save cookies after session ends.
Cookie Autodelete
Extension automatically deletes cookies from closed tabs. Firefox and Chrome.
Cookie Consent Notices
- GDPR requires consent for non-essential cookies
- "Reject All" option required but often hidden
- Pre-checked boxes not allowed but common
- Dark patterns make rejecting difficult
- Use "I don't care about cookies" extension to auto-handle