Cookies - Important part of the user-friendly Internet.
Cookies are data packets exchanged between computer programs. Originally, it was used to refer to all generic data packets exchanged between computer applications. Nowadays, by cookies we usually mean http cookies.
HTTP is a stateless protocol that does not store any session data. We have already explained this in our knowledge section. So with HTTP, browsers receive a new copy of the web page from the servers every time a web page is requested. However, these data copies make our everyday life more difficult. That's why today we explain how cookies make our lives easier.
What is the main purpose of cookies?
Websites generate cookies and thus store individual user data, both locally and on the server side. This data storage has a noticeable effect on the user, it ensures a user-friendly Internet. The first time a website is accessed, a new cookie is created, which collects the information that can be collected by the website operator. The website then "remembers" the information when it is called up again. To summarize: A website recognizes who is visiting it by means of the cookie and can thus adapt to user needs. It can also ensure that your shopping cart does not get lost, for example.
How dangerous are cookies?
Cookies are primarily stored on the client side (in the browser). However, website operators also use so-called third-party cookies. These are usually used unnoticed by third parties and collect information about users' surfing behavior. This information helps website operators to compile statistics about surfing behavior and user profiles and is an important part of online marketing. However, cookies, which are so useful, get a sour taste due to "spying" on the part of website operators. Data protectionists see them as the main cause of a "transparent user". But the "dangerous" data, is actually the data they enter themselves. A cookie cannot identify sensitive data, such as e-mail addresses, as long as you have not entered them via a web form. Since the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force in May 2018, there has been more transparency in dealing with cookies. Some users are probably only aware of the existence of cookies since their use must be actively confirmed by click on every website.
Options in dealing with cookies
Cookies can be managed in most browser settings themselves.
In most popular browsers, you can manage cookies yourself. For example, delete existing cookies or disable their collection. However, the latter is usually not recommended, since cookies primarily make our lives easier. However, it is always advisable to critically question what information we reveal about ourselves. In most cases, you can also block certain information in the browser settings. How you proceed with cookies, however, naturally depends on your surfing behavior and your personal interest in data protection.