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The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
Cookies are very small — and occasionally encrypted — files that get stored on your browser as you surf the web. Internet users should know of two main types of computer cookies: first-party and third-party cookies. Whereas first-party cookies aim to personalize and improve your browsing experience on a particular website, third-party cookies track you across the web to feed your cookie profile to advertisers.
Here's how to tell the difference between first and third-party cookies.
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First-party cookies come from websites that you directly visit in your browser. They're used to improve your online user experience of each particular website. First-party cookies often store information relevant to the website you're visiting, such as what you’ve viewed in the past or your settings preferences.
As long as you visit authentic and reputable websites, first-party cookies are usually harmless and make it easier to browse your favorite websites. They do, however, track your activity only on that website.
You've probably heard of the most controversial type of cookie in terms of data privacy. Third-party cookies usually track your behavior for advertising purposes, and they can even follow users across websites.
Unlike first-party cookies, third-party cookies often aren't even due to the website you're visiting. Instead, they’re usually embedded in ads, videos, or banners. A good example of a third-party cookie is seeing recurring clothing ads after browsing. Even clicking the Facebook "like" button uses third-party cookies. That's why we recommend using an ad blocker that stops cookies and trackers.
Session cookies (also known as transient cookies or non-persistent cookies) are temporary cookie files that are erased when you close your browser. They don't store information that could identify you personally and are used to improve your experience on a particular website. Session cookies enable you to add an item to your shopping cart, browse multiple other pages, and then still keep track of your item in your cart. They are one of the most common types of cookies.
When you restart your browser and go back to the site that created the session cookie, the website will not recognize you, and you'll have to log back in (if login is required) or select your preferences/themes again if the site uses these features. If you do revisit that same website, a new session cookie will be generated, which will store your browsing information and will be active until you leave the site and close your browser.
Persistent cookies are not deleted when you close your browser. These cookies track you, collecting your information at every website. These cookies let websites remember if you're logged in and under which account. Persistent cookies also build a profile based on your search history to recommend products, services, or content.
Persistent cookies stay in one of your browser's subfolders until you delete them manually or your browser deletes them based on the duration period contained within the persistent cookie's file. Persistent cookies typically have expiration dates.
However, if persistent cookies are used for tracking or advertising, you must consent to let the website collect your data.
While some cookies are downright helpful at optimizing your browsing experience, others are annoying or even harmful. A convenient way to help manage your cookies is by using a top ad blocker that helps stop tracking cookies.
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