Last updated: Nov 2, 2025
Every time you visit a website, browse products, check your email, or log into a service, small files known as internet cookies are quietly working behind the scenes. These cookies help you stay logged in, remember your preferences, deliver personalized content, and sometimes — track your browsing activity across the web. While cookies are essential to creating a smooth and functional online experience, they’ve also raised serious questions about privacy and data collection.
So what exactly are cookies, and why do so many websites ask you to “Accept Cookies” the moment you arrive?
In this complete guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about internet cookies — in simple terms. Whether you’re a regular user curious about what cookies do, or a website owner trying to understand cookie policies and compliance, this article will give you a full picture of how cookies work, what types exist, what privacy risks they pose, and how you can control them.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know:
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What internet cookies really are and how they function
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The difference between session, persistent, first-party, and third-party cookies
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Why websites use cookies (and why some are controversial)
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How to manage or delete cookies in popular browsers and devices
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What website owners need to know about cookie consent laws like GDPR
What Are Internet Cookies?
Internet cookies, often simply called “cookies,” are small text files stored on your device (like your computer, tablet, or smartphone) by the website you visit. They’re designed to hold a tiny amount of data specific to a user and website and can be accessed either by the web server or the user’s browser.
The original purpose of cookies was to make the web more user-friendly and dynamic. Since websites don’t inherently remember users between visits or even between page loads, cookies act as a kind of “memory” for the site — storing things like login status, items in a shopping cart, or language preferences.
Here’s what you need to know:
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Who creates cookies?
Cookies are created by the website you visit (first-party cookies) or by other domains that load resources on that website (third-party cookies, like ads or analytics tools). -
Where are cookies stored?
They’re stored locally in your web browser’s cookie database and are sent back to the website every time you load a relevant page. -
What do cookies look like?
They’re plain text data likesessionid=48392abc— not executable software, so they can’t run viruses or install malware. -
Are cookies always active?
Yes, if the website set them, unless you delete them or block them via browser settings or extensions.
Real-World Example:
When you log into Facebook, a cookie is stored on your browser that tells Facebook’s servers you’re a logged-in user. That way, you don’t have to enter your username and password on every page, or each time you visit the site — the cookie “remembers” it for you.
This ability to store and reuse small bits of data is what makes cookies such a central part of the modern web experience. But while cookies can be useful, some types — especially those used for tracking — can also pose privacy concerns, which we’ll explore later in the guide.
How Do Internet Cookies Work?
At their core, cookies act like digital note cards that websites use to remember things about your visit. Although they sound technical, the way cookies work is fairly simple once you break it down into steps.
Here’s what happens when a website uses cookies:
1. You Visit a Website
When you first load a website (like example.com), the server may send a cookie to your browser. This looks like a tiny piece of text and might contain a user ID, session number, or preference like “dark mode: on.”
2. Browser Stores the Cookie
Your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) saves the cookie locally. Each cookie has a few properties:
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Name and Value (e.g.,
sessionid=12345) -
Domain (the site that set it)
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Expiration Date (how long it stays stored)
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Optional: Path, Security flags, etc.
3. Cookie Sent Back Automatically
On your next visit or refresh, your browser automatically sends the cookie back to the website’s server. This makes the website “remember” you.
Example:
4. Website Uses the Cookie’s Data
The website’s backend sees the cookie (sessionid=abc123xyz) and uses it to recognize your session — without requiring you to log in again.
5. Cookie May Get Updated or Deleted
If you change settings (like language or theme), the website might update the cookie. Cookies may be deleted automatically once they expire or manually via browser settings.
Why Cookies Exist
Without cookies, websites would never remember you — every page you visit would act like a fresh visit. Cookies solve that by:
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Remembering logins
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Saving shopping carts
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Preserving settings (language, layout)
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Tracking visits for analytics
But that power comes with privacy concerns, especially when cookies are used for cross-site tracking and targeted advertising. We’ll explore that in detail later.
Types of Internet Cookies Explained
Not all cookies are the same. Depending on how they’re used, where they come from, and how long they last, internet cookies fall into different categories. Understanding these types is important not only for privacy-conscious users but also for website owners managing cookie consent and compliance.
Below are the main types of internet cookies:
1. By Duration
Session Cookies
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Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
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Used to store information during a single website visit (e.g., keeping a user logged in while browsing pages)
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Not stored on your device permanently
Example: A shopping cart on an e-commerce site that only “remembers” your items during the current visit
Persistent Cookies
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Remain on your device until they expire or are manually deleted
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Used for long-term preferences (e.g., remembering your login details or language settings across visits)
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May last days, weeks, or even years
Example: “Remember me” settings that keep users logged in until they log out
2. By Origin
First-Party Cookies
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Set directly by the website you’re visiting (e.g., example.com)
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Typically used for essential functions like authentication or storing site-specific preferences
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Generally considered safer and less intrusive
Third-Party Cookies
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Set by a domain other than the one you’re visiting, usually through embedded scripts like ads or analytics
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Commonly used for tracking user behavior across multiple sites (often for targeted advertising)
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Blocked by many modern browsers due to privacy concerns
Example: A cookie set by an ad network like doubleclick.net while you’re browsing a news website
3. By Purpose or Function
Strictly Necessary Cookies
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Essential for website functionality (e.g., logging in, adding items to a cart)
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Do not require user consent in most privacy laws (like GDPR)
Functional/Preference Cookies
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Store user preferences (e.g., language, currency, theme)
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Enhance usability but do not impact core functionality
Analytics/Performance Cookies
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Help website owners understand how users interact with the site
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Capture data like page views, scroll depth, and browser types
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Usually anonymized but may still require consent
Advertising/Tracking Cookies
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Track users across websites to create profiles and deliver personalized ads
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Most controversial type of cookie
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Often require explicit consent and are the target of privacy regulations
Cookie Types Comparison Table
| Type | Purpose | Expires | Set By | Privacy Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session Cookie | Temporary settings/session data | On browser close | First-party | Low |
| Persistent Cookie | Saves user preferences, logins | After expiration | First/third-party | Moderate |
| First-Party Cookie | Essential site features | Varies | Same domain | Low |
| Third-Party Cookie | Tracking, ads, analytics | Varies | External domain | High |
| Analytics Cookie | Site performance measurement | Varies | First/third-party | Medium |
| Ad/Tracking Cookie | Behavioral ad targeting | Varies | Third-party | High |
Are Internet Cookies Safe? Understanding Risks and Privacy Issues
Internet cookies are technically harmless files — they can’t install viruses, run code, or damage your device. However, the real concern isn’t what cookies are, but how they’re used. When cookies store personal data, track behavior, or build detailed user profiles without clear consent, they become a privacy issue.
Let’s break down the safety of cookies and the risks associated with them.
✅ Cookies Are Safe When…
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They’re used for essential website functions, like keeping you logged in or saving preferences
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They’re created and used by the website you’re intentionally interacting with (first-party cookies)
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They’re used for basic analytics to improve site features without capturing sensitive data
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The website uses secure cookies that can only be transmitted over encrypted HTTPS connections
Most of the time, these cookies are harmless and even improve your browsing experience.
⚠️ Cookies Become Risky When…
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They’re used by third parties such as ad networks or trackers
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They collect personal or behavioral data across multiple websites, often without your informed consent
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They’re used for invasive advertising or profiling (e.g., targeted ads that seem to “follow” you)
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They’re stored too long or not managed responsibly by the website
Third-party tracking cookies, in particular, have been widely criticized and have led to major privacy laws like GDPR, CCPA, and the phasing out of third-party cookies on browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
🔒 Security Risks of Cookies (Beyond Privacy)
Although cookies cannot execute code, they can be hijacked if the security surrounding them is weak. Examples:
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Session hijacking: If a session cookie is stolen (e.g., via unsecured Wi-Fi or XSS attack), an attacker could impersonate a user
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Unencrypted cookies: Cookies sent over HTTP instead of HTTPS can be intercepted
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Improper cookie flags: Without security attributes like
HttpOnlyorSecure, cookies become more vulnerable
📜 Regulations and Legal Compliance
To protect users, new privacy laws require transparent cookie usage:
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GDPR (EU) mandates cookie consent banners and proper data handling
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CCPA (California) gives users the right to opt-out of tracking cookies
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ePrivacy Directive (EU) mandates obtaining consent for non-essential cookies
As a result, many websites now show cookie banners, giving users clearer choices — but also making cookie handling more complex for website owners.
How to Manage, Block, or Delete Cookies
Whether you’re concerned about online tracking, clearing up browser storage, or troubleshooting a login issue, knowing how to manage, block, or delete cookies puts you in control of your browsing experience. Every major browser and device — from Chrome to iPhone — offers ways to view, clear, or disable cookies. Here’s how to do it.
Managing Cookies in Major Desktop Browsers
1. Google Chrome
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Open Chrome and click the three dots menu (⋮)
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Go to Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
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Choose from:
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Allow all cookies
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Block third-party cookies
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Block all cookies (not recommended)
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To delete cookies: Clear browsing data → Cookies and other site data
2. Mozilla Firefox
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Click the menu button (☰)
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Go to Settings → Privacy & Security
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Under Cookies and Site Data, you can:
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Block cookies
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Manage Data (view and remove specific cookies)
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Clear Data (remove all cookies and cache)
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3. Safari (macOS)
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Go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy
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Enable Block all cookies to disable cookies (not recommended for normal use)
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Click Manage Website Data to remove cookies by site or clear all
4. Microsoft Edge
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Go to Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies and site data
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Choose to block all cookies, block third-party cookies, or clear cookies when Edge closes
Managing Cookies on Mobile Devices
iPhone/iPad (Safari)
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Open Settings → Safari
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Scroll down and choose Clear History and Website Data
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To disable cookies: turn on Block All Cookies (some sites may not work)
Android (Chrome)
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Open Chrome app → tap three dots (⋮) → Settings
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Tap Site settings → Cookies
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Choose to allow, block third-party cookies, or block all cookies
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To delete cookies: tap Privacy → Clear browsing data → Cookies and site data
Pro Tip: Only Delete Cookies When Necessary
Clearing cookies will log you out of most websites and may delete preferences or items in your cart. If you’re troubleshooting, try clearing cookies for just one website rather than all sites.
Advanced Cookie Management Tools
If you want more control, consider using:
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Browser extensions: uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, Cookie AutoDelete
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Privacy browsers: Brave, Firefox with privacy protections, Tor Browser
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Tracking protection services: DuckDuckGo browser, anti-fingerprinting tools
Quick Tips for Cookie Control
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Block third-party cookies to reduce tracking while maintaining site functionality
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Regularly clear cookies on shared devices for privacy and security
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Enable “Do Not Track” (some browsers), but note: not all sites honor it
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Use private/incognito mode when you don’t want cookies saved
Cookies for Website Owners: Compliance, Consent, and Best Practices
If you run a website, you’re not just responsible for handling cookies — you’re legally accountable for how user data is collected, stored, and shared through them. Due to evolving global privacy regulations, it’s more important than ever to understand how to handle cookies responsibly, implement proper consent mechanisms, and maintain transparency with your users.
Let’s break down what you need to know as a site owner or developer.
Cookie Compliance Laws to Know
Modern privacy regulations around the world require websites to state how they use cookies and allow users to manage their consent. Key examples include:
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GDPR (EU General Data Protection Regulation)
Requires explicit consent for non-essential cookies and clear cookie notices. -
ePrivacy Directive (EU “Cookie Law”)
Regulates the use of cookies and similar tracking technologies. -
CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
Gives users the right to opt out of data collection, including cookies used for ad tracking. -
ICO PECR (UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations)
Similar to GDPR with added requirements for telecommunication tracking.
If your website serves users from any of these regions, you must comply with these laws — even if your business is based outside the jurisdiction.
What Website Owners Should Do
1. Provide a Cookie Banner or Consent Notice
Your site should show a cookie notification when a user first visits. This banner should:
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Explain the purpose of cookies
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Provide options to accept, reject, or customize settings
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Comply with user interface rules (e.g., no pre-ticked boxes under GDPR)
2. Use a Detailed Cookie Policy
Create a standalone cookie policy page that explains:
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Types of cookies in use
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Third-party cookies involved
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Duration and purpose of cookie data
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How users can manage or delete cookies
3. Implement Granular Consent
Let users selectively allow or reject categories like:
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Necessary cookies (no consent required)
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Analytics cookies
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Marketing cookies
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Functional cookies
4. Use a Consent Management Platform (CMP)
Tools like CookieYes, OneTrust, Termly, or Iubenda help you:
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Auto-scan your site for cookies
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Block scripts until consent is given
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Display regional-specific banners
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Keep consent audit records for compliance
5. Don’t Store Personal Data in Cookies
Avoid storing sensitive data (e.g., passwords, email addresses) in cookies. Instead, store identifiers or tokens linked to a secure database.
6. Set Proper Cookie Flags
Enable secure cookie attributes like:
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Secure(only sent over HTTPS) -
HttpOnly(not accessible via JavaScript) -
SameSite(limits cross-site access)
These reduce cookie theft via attacks like XSS and CSRF.
Common Cookie Compliance Mistakes
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Showing a cookie banner but setting cookies before consent
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Not offering an option to reject cookies
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Burying cookie settings deep in menus
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Failing to update cookie policies regularly
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Using third-party tracking cookies without clear notice
Website owners who ignore cookie compliance risk fines, lawsuits, and loss of user trust. With proper consent management tools and transparent cookie usage, you can maintain website analytics and marketing while staying compliant and trustworthy.
Conclusion
Internet cookies play a vital role in the way websites function today, helping to deliver personalized, secure, and efficient online experiences. Yet, as useful as cookies are, they also come with privacy implications—especially when used for cross-site tracking or targeted advertising.
Whether you’re a user trying to take control of your browsing privacy or a website owner aiming to comply with global data laws, understanding how cookies work is essential. We’ve covered everything from how cookies are stored to types like session, persistent, first-party, and third-party cookies, along with steps to manage or delete cookies and the compliance responsibilities for website administrators.
The takeaway is simple: cookies are neither inherently good nor bad—they’re tools. It’s how we use them, disclose them, and give users control over them that truly matters.
FAQ: Internet Cookies
1. What are cookies used for on websites?
Cookies are used to store small pieces of information about a user’s visit, such as login status, preferences, shopping cart items, or browsing behavior. This helps websites personalize user experience and function consistently across pages or visits.
2. Can cookies store personal information like passwords?
Cookies themselves do not store sensitive information like passwords directly. Instead, they may store tokens or identifiers that reference data stored securely on the server. However, insecure cookie usage can expose data indirectly if not handled properly.
3. What’s the difference between a cookie and cache?
A cookie stores user-specific data like preferences or login state, while cache stores temporary copies of website files (like images, scripts, and styles) to speed up page loading. Cookies are used for personalization, while cache is used for performance.
4. What does it mean when a website asks me to “Accept Cookies”?
It usually means the website uses cookies for purposes like analytics, personalization, or advertising and needs your consent—especially under privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA. You can choose to accept all, reject all, or customize which types of cookies are allowed.
5. What happens if I block or delete all cookies?
Blocking cookies may prevent websites from remembering your preferences or logging you in, and it could break certain site features like shopping carts or language settings. Deleting cookies will log you out of most websites and may reset your browsing experience.
