Accept or reject cookies option always pops up when we start using the internet. It’s typical pop-ups that offer either “accept all” or “reject all,” and sometimes, there is a 3rd option or link to further modify your preferences. These pop-ups and banners are irritating and our first reaction is always to get rid of them as soon as possible—the majority by choosing the “accept all” button. But is it safe to do that? Let’s get into details:
Exactly, what are cookies?
First, we need to understand what exactly cookies are. These are small files that websites save to our devices, containing information meant to enhance the user experience, particularly for frequently visited websites. These files also include login information and preferred news categories or text sizes or suggest sites according to our browsing history. By tracking browsing history, advertisers can show targeted ads.
Additionally, there are many types of cookies but we can categorize them based on how long they can stay.
- Session Cookies: These cookies are only created temporarily and track items from browsing history. Once a browser session is closed or inactive for a period of time, these cookies are deleted automatically.
- Persistent Cookies: These cookies stay for a longer time and can identify us, saving login details. They also have expiry dates ranging from days to years.
What do different cookie options mean?
Pop-ups usually inform you that the website uses “essential cookies” necessary for it to function and you can’t skip it. Sometimes it also shows an option for “non-essential cookies.” All of these cookies are based on three types:
- Functional Cookies: these are related to personalizing the browsing experience, for example language or region selection
- Analytics Cookies: These provide statistical information about how visitors use the website.
- Advertising Cookies: These cookies track information to create a profile and help show targeted ads.
Advertising cookies are commonly from 3rd parties and they use them to track the browsing activities. A 3rd party also means that the cookie can access and share the info across platforms and domains that are not the website we visit.
What is the right choice, “Accept all” or “Reject all”?
Ultimately, the choice is up to the user, but if you choose “accept all,” you give your consent to websites using and storing all types of cookies. This gives you rich experience, as all the features of websites can be used and includes ones waiting for consent. On the other hand, if you choose “reject all” or ignore the pop-up, it will decline all cookies except essential cookies. You will have access to basic features but personalized features and 3rd-party consent will be missing.
However, if you change your mind, you can update your preferences in “cookie settings,” normally located at the footer of the websites. Maybe on some sites , it shows as the cookie policy or embeds these options in the privacy policy.
How are cookies related to online privacy?
The main reason for frequently appearing cookie consent is due to the European Union’s privacy law that came into effect in 2018, known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This privacy law strictly establishes strict rules on how personal data is handled online. According to law:
- User must consent to cookies except essential ones
- User must provide clear information about what data cookie tracks
- The consent must be documented and stored
- User should able to use the website if they don’t want to consent certain cookies
- User should be able to withdraw their consent
How can we control our privacy?
Cookie pop-ups can lead to consent fatigue and you accept them without considering the implications. This defeats the purpose of informed consent. Therefore, you can use a tech application called “GPC” (Global Privacy Control). It’s developed by a group of alliance stakeholders that helps the browser to signal privacy preferences to websites.
Meanwhile, if you are worried about your accidental consent to cookies you don’t want, you can just simply go to browser settings and delete the cookie and get back to a clean slate.
