What are Cookies?
Cookies are small pieces of data stored on a user’s browser by a website they visit. They are designed to hold a modest amount of data specific to a particular client and website, and can be accessed either by the web server or the client computer. Cookies are commonly used for tracking, personalization, and authentication purposes.
Types of Cookies
1. Session Cookies: These cookies are temporary and are erased when the user closes the browser. They are used to track user activities during a browsing session.
2. Persistent Cookies: These cookies remain on the user’s device for a specified period or until they are manually deleted. They are used for remembering login details and preferences.
How Cookies Work
When a user visits a website, the site sends a cookie to the browser, which stores it on the user’s device. The next time the user visits the site, the cookie is sent back to the server, allowing the website to recognize the user and provide personalized content.
Examples of Cookie Use
– E-commerce websites use cookies to remember items in a shopping cart.
– Social media sites use cookies to track user activity and personalize content.
Case Study: Amazon
Amazon uses cookies to track user behavior and provide personalized recommendations. By analyzing user data, Amazon can suggest products that a user is likely to purchase, increasing sales and customer satisfaction.
Statistics on Cookie Usage
– According to a survey by Statista, 88% of internet users in the United States were aware of cookies in 2019.
– The use of cookies is governed by regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU, which requires websites to obtain user consent before setting cookies.
