1. What is a “cookie”?
An “Internet Cookie” (also known as a “browser cookie” or “HTTP cookie” or simply a “cookie”) is a small file, consisting of letters and numbers, that will be stored on your computer, mobile terminal or other equipment of a user from which the Internet is accessed.
The cookie is installed by request issued by a web server to a browser (eg Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome) and is completely “passive” (does not contain software, viruses or spyware and can not access information on the hard drive user).
A cookie consists of 2 parts: the name and content or value of the cookie. Moreover, the duration of a cookie is technically determined, only the webserver that sent the cookie can access it again when a user returns to the website associated with that webserver.
Cookies themselves do not require personal information to be used and in most cases do not personally identify internet users.
There are 2 major categories of cookies:
Session cookies – these are temporarily stored in the cookies folder of the web browser so that it can store them until the user leaves the respective website or closes the browser window (eg when logging in to an account webmail or social networks).
Persistent cookies – these are stored on the hard drive of a computer or equipment (and generally depend on the default lifetime for the cookie). Persistent cookies also include those placed by a website other than the one the user is currently visiting – known as ‘third party cookies’ – which can be used anonymously to memorize a user’s interests so that the most relevant advertising for users is delivered.
2. What are the advantages of cookies?
A cookie contains information that links a web browser (user) to a specific web server (website). If a browser accesses that web server again, it can read the information already stored and react accordingly.
Cookies provide users with a pleasant browsing experience and support the efforts of many websites to provide comfortable services to users: eg – online privacy preferences, site language options or relevant advertising.
3. What is the lifetime of a cookie?
Cookies are administered by webservers. The lifespan of a cookie can vary significantly, depending on the purpose for which it is placed. Some cookies are used exclusively for a single session (session cookies) and are no longer retained once the user has left the website and some cookies are retained and reused each time the user returns to that website (‘cookie- permanent hatred ‘). However, cookies can be deleted by a user at any time through the browser settings.
4. What are cookies placed by third parties?
Certain sections of content on some sites may be provided through third parties / providers (eg news box, video or advertisement). These third parties may also place cookies through the site and they are called “third party cookies” because they are not placed by the owner of the website. Third party providers must also comply with applicable law and the privacy policies of the site owner.
5. How can I stop cookies?
Disabling and refusing to receive cookies may make certain sites impractical or difficult to visit and use. Also, the refusal to accept cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive / see online advertising.
It is possible to set in the browser so that these cookies are no longer accepted or you can set the browser to accept cookies from a specific site. But, for example, if you are not registered using cookies, you will not be able to leave comments.
All modern browsers offer the ability to change cookie settings. These settings are usually found in the “options” or “preferences” menu of your browser.