What are cookies and how are they used on the internet? In this short article we will help you learn everything you need to know about internet cookies, including first-party verses third-party, how to disable them, and more.

Last Updated: October 19th, 2023

Understanding Internet Cookies.

Internet cookies, also known as web or browser cookies, are small pieces of data that are stored on your computer or mobile device. They are saved on your device by the websites that you visit, this is so they can be used to tailor your online experience. Rest assured they’re not harmful and they don’t carry viruses or malware.

Types of Cookies Online.

There are two main types of cookies online and its useful to be aware of how they are used, so that you can make informed decisions about your privacy. You can choose to disable them in your browser settings at any time, but this may limit the functionality of certain websites. Here is an explanation of the different types and how they are used:

First Party.

These are set by the website you are currently visiting and are typically used to improve your browsing experience on that website. Here are some common examples of what a first party cookie can be used for:

  • Remembering your login information for a website
  • Tracking items in your shopping cart on an e-commerce store
  • Remembering your language settings for a website
  • Remembering your preferences for a website, such as the type of content you want to see.

Third Party.

These are set by websites other than the one you are currently visiting. They are often used to track browsing activity across multiple websites and to target adverts at you. Here are some common examples of who might be using a third party cookie:

  • Social media websites use them to share content from the website you are visiting.
  • Website analytics companies use them to track and report on site traffic and user behaviour.
  • Advertising companies use them to monitor your browsing activity so they can show you targeted adverts.

Why Do We Need Cookies?

The use of cookies is currently an essential part of the internet because they are widely used to enhance the functionality and quality of website content. Additionally they are often used to help improve the accuracy of digital marketing.

You can find out about how we use cookies by reading our cookie policy.

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