We all love our cookies, right?

When you're browsing websites these days, it's hard to escape those bothersome notifications that emerge from nowhere saying "This site uses cookies..." A window pops up, begging you to accept or reject cookies. They give you options like accepting all cookies, no cookies at all, or just certain types of cookies. And they demand an answer. Sometimes accepting it is the only option.

It can be pretty alarming. Here's the deal: While cookies might invade your sense of digital privacy in eerie ways, they can't infect your system with viruses or any other malware. So rest assured you don't have to worry about that.

What Are Cookies Anyway?

Internet cookies are tiny bits of data that websites save in your web browser when you visit them. These stored snippets help websites track your browsing activity, remember you when you return, and enhance your experience by personalising it. While internet cookies play a crucial role in today's internet browsing, they also pose a potential threat to your privacy.

Why Are Cookies A Thing?

Numerous websites depend on internet cookies to enable various functionalities, such as remembering user preferences and adapting content accordingly. Internet cookies serve several purposes, including:

• Enhancing website navigation flow by catering it to your style of browsing.

• Saving images from websites to speed up loading time and avoid re-downloading them the next time you visit.

• Offering personalised and tailored browsing experiences. For example, Amazon remembering your previously viewed items only to display them on your Amazon dashboard when you log in next time.

Choc chip, blueberry, gingerbread, oatmeal raisin… browser?

• Delivering targeted advertisements to you throughout your entire browsing session.

• Remembering usernames and passwords to facilitate website access and save you the hassle of remembering every single username and password for every website you have signed up for.

What Types Of Cookies Are There?

Internet cookies are classified into two main types: Single-session cookies: These cookies are only temporarily stored in your browser and are deleted as soon as you finish your browsing session or close the browser. They are not stored on your computer for future reference.

Multi-session cookies: Unlike single-session cookies, multi-session cookies are saved on your computer for future use and retain information across multiple visits to the websites that created them.

Are Websites Able To Track My Online Activities Using Cookies?

Within these two primary categories of internet cookies, there are several subtypes. The most common ones include:

First-party cookies: These cookies are generated and used exclusively by the website you are visiting. In general, first-party cookies are considered beneficial as they contribute to a smoother browsing experience, as previously mentioned.

Third-party cookies: Originating from external websites through the advertisements displayed on the website you are currently browsing, third-party cookies have the capability to track your activities across multiple websites. These cookies are the ones that require caution since they enable advertisers to monitor your online behaviour.

How Can I Deactivate, Prevent and Remove These Cookies

This can vary depending on the web browser you are using, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, or Internet Explorer. Here's a general guide to follow:

1. Look for the Menu options, usually represented by small dots or horizontal lines located on the upper righthand corner of the browser screen. Click on it to open the menu.

2. Locate and open the browser settings or preferences. This option may be labelled as "Settings," "Internet Options," or simply "Options," depending on the specific browser you are using.

3. Navigate to the privacy tab within the settings.

4. From the privacy tab, you can delete, block, or enable cookies based on your preferences.

If you want more detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to turn off, block, or delete internet cookies, check out this link

What Should I Do About The Cookie Warnings?

When presented with the option to choose which cookies to enable on the website you're browsing, it is advisable to only allow the ones necessary for the website to function (typically already greyed out).