What is in a cookie?
Lots of stuff about you.
I know a lawyer, who is supposed to be a great and knowledgeable lawyer when it comes to litigating technology cases. Not when it comes to his understanding (or lack of it) of cookies.
But…this same lawyer once asked me, “What are cookies?” It’s true. Is he what he thinks he is? It’s not for me to say. This has led me to the conclusion that no one will ever tell this poor man what a cookie is. So…what is a cookie?
Cookies are defined as “small text files containing unique data to identify your computer to the network.”
Cookies track you.
When you visit a website, the website's server sends a small file (the cookie) to your web browser and stores it on your device. This cookie contains information specific to your interaction with the website. When you revisit the same website or navigate to another page on the site, your web browser sends the stored cookie back to the website's server.
According to the website All About Cookies, when you visit a website, cookies can:
Set your chosen language preference
Remember items in a shopping cart
Remember if certain settings are turned on
Authenticate your identity
Prevent fraud
Create highly targeted ads
Track how you interact with ads
Make personalized content recommendations
Track items you view in an online store
Auto-fill information in forms
ARE YOU AFRAID YET?
Cookies help websites tailor the site to induce purchases.
The website server then reads the information in the cookie to remember details about your previous visit. For example, it can remember your login status, language preference, or items you added to a shopping cart. This helps the website tailor the user experience and provide personalized content.
Persistent Cookies v. Session Cookies.
Cookies can be either "session cookies" or "persistent cookies." Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser, while persistent cookies remain on your device for a specified period or until you manually delete them.
ALL Websites Use Cookies—even the reputable ones.
It's important to note that cookies can store personal information, but reputable websites usually use them responsibly and in compliance with privacy regulations. However, some users may choose to block or delete cookies for privacy reasons.
Thanks for reading. Feel free to email me anytime at michael@wellslaw.us or michaelwuva78@gmail.com.
Michael Wells, Esq., MLS
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This publication is intended as a forum for information about the law and other topics of interest to the author and his readers, but is not intended to provide legal advice or opinion, or to establish an attorney-client relationship. No attorney-client relationship is intended to be formed, nor is it formed. The author’s statements are not attributable to Michael Wells, Wells Law PLLC, or any other person or entity not specified herein. The author’s statements may fail to represent the law or other topics of interest precisely or broadly.
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