What is a Cookie? Why is it used on Book Buffet? How do Book Buffet use it? Is it harmful?
Abhishek Jha
Last Update 3 years ago
Cookies play a significant role in the way websites and online services function. But cookies are a mystery for many people, even for site owners who serve them. This lack of clarity causes many organizations to serve cookies inappropriately, which exposes them to the risk of financial penalties and public relations headaches.
As the data privacy landscape evolves, cookies have become a big part of the global conversation. Users want to control which cookies are saved to their computers and how websites and their vendors use the data stored in those cookies.
In this article, we explain cookies and break down their role in data collection and sharing. We also explain how to conduct a cookie audit that checks your compliance.
What is a Cookie?
A cookie is a small text file that websites pass to your computer through your web browser. Its purpose is to extend the website's functionality and create a better user experience, usually through personalization, session management, and tracking. A cookie might save user inputs, shopping carts, login information, or wish lists. It can also be used for advertising and analytics.
A cookie is not a program. It doesn’t perform a function. It’s just text. You can open and read cookies with a basic word processor. The two most common types of cookies are first-party cookies and third-party cookies.
A first-party cookie is created by the website you’re currently visiting to save your preferences for that same website. For example, www.acme.com might put a cookie on your computer to save your last shopping cart on their site.
A third-party cookie is created by a different website than the one you’re visiting. For example, www.acme.com might put ads on its site through www.easyads.com. In this case, www.easyads.com creates a cookie and puts it on your browser even though you never visited their site. www.acme.com passes the cookie to your computer on behalf of www.easyads.com.
Cookies and AdvertisingFew people have problems with first-party cookies because they’re typically used to enhance the user experience. When you visit Home Depot’s website, for instance, a cookie remembers your location so the website can offer local prices and promotions.
Most of the controversy regarding cookies relate to their use in marketing and advertising. The issue hinges on consent. Is it right to collect data on users and share it with other parties without their permission? The European Union, a few U.S. states, and other major jurisdictions believe that users should be aware of the cookies a website serves and have the opportunity to opt-out of using them.
Advertising cookies are almost always third-party cookies. They collect and share user data through networks of websites, often without the user’s consent. These networks aggregate and sync countless data points. In the end, they know more about you than you expect.
Look at it like this: You visit three websites - A, B, and C. On website A, you take some action that signals you want to buy running shoes. On website B, you do something that indicates you are a man (maybe you browse the men’s section). On website C, you see an ad for men’s running shoes, even though you haven’t given that site any information yet. You wouldn’t expect Website C to know anything about you, but the cookies saved on your computer from other websites provide it with plenty of information.