When browsing a website, you’ve likely encountered a pop-up asking if you want to “accept” or “reject” cookies. While this may seem like a minor hurdle before you get access to your content, your choice carries implications for both your browsing experience and your privacy.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device whenever you visit a website. These files contain bits of information about your browsing activity and are sent back to the website the next time you visit.
Simply put, cookies act as memory for the internet, helping websites recognise you and remember your preferences.
Cookies can keep you logged in, store items in your shopping cart, and remember your preferred language settings. Without cookies, you may have to log in again each time you open a new page or reselect your language preference.
According to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), cookies are directly linked to the functionality of most websites today.
Why do websites ask for your consent?
Recently, websites have become more transparent about cookies. This change is largely due to privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States, which mandate websites to inform users about cookies and give them the choice to accept or reject them.
When you see a cookie notification and click “accept,” you are giving the website permission to collect and process data about your browsing habits. On the other hand, by clicking “reject,” the site can only use the cookies that are essential for basic functionality.
While rejecting cookies may enhance your privacy, it limits features such as personalised recommendations or saved preferences.
Benefits of accepting cookies
Accepting cookies can make your browsing smoother and more convenient
- No need to repeatedly log in.
- Shopping carts retain your selected items.
- Content and ads are customised to suit your interests.
- Websites function with more efficiency.
Risks of accepting cookies
On the flip side, there are risks to accepting all cookies without caution. Some cookies, especially third-party tracking cookies, are designed to track your browsing activity across multiple sites. This data can then be sold to advertisers, who wish to reach a certain audience.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) warns that unchecked use of tracking cookies can lead to privacy invasions and unwanted ads. While cookies themselves cannot directly harm your device, the personal information they store can be misused if not protected.
What it means to reject cookies
When you reject cookies, you are essentially telling the website not to track your online activities beyond what is necessary to run the site. Essential cookies will still function. For example, you can still log in, read articles, or make payments.
However, features that aid convenience, such as saved settings, personalised ads, and recommendations, may not work.
For example, if you reject cookies on a shopping site, the site may not remember products you put in your cart when you return. On streaming platforms, you may not see recommendations on songs of interest.
The advantage, however, is that less of your data is being collected, and there is minimal risk of third-party involvement.
According to Norton, rejecting cookies is a good option if you prioritise privacy over convenience.
How to manage cookies
The good news is, most web browsers give you control over cookie settings. You would typically find these under “Settings” or “Privacy.” Options include blocking third-party cookies, deleting stored cookies, or setting alerts whenever a site wants to place a cookie.
Tools like DuckDuckGo and Privacy Badger also help users limit online tracking. Regularly clearing cookies is another way to ensure websites do not keep unnecessary data about your online activity for longer than necessary.
Conclusion
Cookies are an invisible yet powerful part of how the internet works. They support functionality, make browsing smoother, and personalise experiences.
Accepting cookies often means smoother browsing at the expense of your data, while rejecting them protects your privacy with personalised options. By learning to use cookies wisely, you can strike a balance between privacy and convenience.
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