Quick Overview
- Cookies help websites remember your info; some are essential, others track you for ads, analytics, etc
- Cookie banners (especially in the EU) are meant to ask for consent before using tracking cookies.
- If you ignore the banner, sites shouldn’t set non-essential cookies—but some do anyway.
- Cookie laws vary: The EU requires consent; U.S. laws like CCPA focus more on data selling.
- Privacy tips: Block third-party cookies, use anti-tracking tools, clear cookies often.
- No cookies ≠ no tracking: Websites can still track you using your IP address and browser info.
- To stay safer, adjust browser settings and use privacy tools for more control.
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What Are Cookies and Why Do They Matter?
Cookies are small bits of data that websites store on your device. They help websites remember things like your login, shopping cart, or preferences. Some cookies are essential for basic website functions, while others track your behaviour for advertising and analytics purposes.
Read: What Are Cookies on Websites and Why Are They Important
The Cookie Banner: Does It Really Matter
In the European Union (EU), websites are supposed to ask your permission before they store non-essential cookies, like those used for advertising. That’s why you see cookie banners when you visit websites.
Here’s the key point:
- If the website follows the rules properly, they won’t store non-essential cookies unless you give permission.
- If you ignore the banner and leave the site, in theory, they shouldn’t store those cookies.
However, this doesn’t always happen in practice. Some websites may still set cookies even if you don’t accept or reject them, which is against the law in many cases.
Different Laws in Different Places
The rules around cookies depend on where you are. In the EU, the GDPR requires websites to get your consent before setting non-essential cookies. In other places, like the United States, the laws can be different.
For example, California’s privacy law (CCPA) focuses on whether companies sell your data, not on cookies themselves—under the CCPA, websites can collect data about you without asking, but if they sell that data, they must give you a choice to opt out.
This means that many websites outside the EU may still set cookies even if you don’t click the banner.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Privacy
- Block third-party cookies in your browser settings. This stops most advertising tracking.
- Use privacy tools like browser extensions that block trackers or delete cookies automatically.
- Clear your cookies regularly, or set your browser to delete them when you close it.
Keep in mind that essential cookies, like those needed for login sessions or shopping carts, usually still work even if you block third-party cookies.
No Cookies? You’re Still Being Tracked
Even if you avoid cookies, websites can still see some basic information, like your IP address and browser type. This data is needed for the site to work properly but can also be used to build a simple profile about you.
Final Thoughts
If a website is following the rules, they shouldn’t store non-essential cookies unless you give permission. But not all websites follow the rules, so it’s wise to take extra steps to protect your privacy. Browser settings and privacy tools can give you more control over who tracks you online.
Source: Reddit