Cookies are small data files saved as text files in your browser (on your computer, mobile phone or tablet). They remember information between pages or visits. For example you set up on start page that you would like to see dark background. Cookies will remember this, and when you pass to next page (on same website), that new page will know that you would like to see dark background. Cookie can remember this setting even on your next time visit to this page. Otherwise you should set up this on every page (it would be quite annoying).
In most cases they are used to make internet experience enjoyable and more personal by setting default language, font size, background color etc.
On internet there are web cookies they collect data across many websites. For example they may use this data to serve ads optimized for profile of user. This is probably one of the main reasons why are websites required to inform and obtain consent from visitor, by giving more control to users over their online privacy.
There are several different types of web cookies, but most of them can be classified in few main groups:
The domain name of the visited site sets the cookie. Only this site can retrieve and read the contents of this cookie. Example: visited site remembers your settings about background color, font size, default language etc, so you don’t have to enter them from page-to-page while browsing this site.
Domain which set the cookies is different from domain of the visited site. Usually, cookie is set by external script (domain) included in the visited site. Examples:
Webmaster includes a YouTube video on his site. Then YouTube can set a cookie, that this video has been seen. Another example: Google Adsense, included in the visited web page, can track a user, across many websites, which use Adsense. Collecting this data, Adsense can show more relevant ads to visitor’s behavior.
Use of cookies for tracking user’s behavior is often seen as an invasion of privacy, this is one of the reasons why EU cookie law request agreement of the user for uses of cookies.
My opinion: As a webmaster, I often visit sites for hosting, domain registration, programming etc. This is why I get ads about hosting, programming services, hardware etc. And I am happy with this. I don’t want to see lipstick, clothing or similar ads. And this popup cookie consent message is irritating me every time I visit new website. But EU parliament already proved several times that they have forced decisions, just to put something on desk from time-to-time. That’s our destiny, what can we do, we can only adapt to new roles.
I can see, some other webmasters have similar opinion about cookies: nocookielaw.com
Session Cookies are saved temporarily in browsers and they are deleted after closing. Example: After you login, cookie will remember that you are logged in, while you navigate from page-to-page. When you close browser, these cookies will be destroyed.
They allow the website to recall your information for longer time. Example: website remembers you as returning visitor. These cookies can be stored in your browser for longer period.
Secure cookies are only transmitted via HTTPS. Example: checkout pages on web shops. Cookie will be encrypted as it passes between the website and the browser.
Browser will prevent any client script in the page from accessing the contents of the cookie.
Most modern browsers (for example newest versions of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera, ..) allow to the user to disable or delete cookies.
- Visitor can enable or disable cookies completely, so that they are always accepted or always blocked.
- cookies can be deleted selectively using cookie manager.
- delete all private data, including cookies.
- most browsers have add-on tools for managing cookie permissions
- If you surf website in "private" or "incognito" mode, all cookies are stored temporarily and they will be deleted after you close the browser.
My solution may be not enough into all countries, if necessary, visit ec.europa.eu for more information or consult a technology lawyer. Read the terms of use page too.