Should You Accept Cookies?

What are cookies? When accepted, these cookies are stored on the web browser of your device. More on what kind of data may be collected and for what purposes are below. While the simple click of a button to accept cookies may seem harmless, the 000 solution requires a little more depth.

Is accepting cookies a bad thing? It depends on the website. Some cookies are placed by first parties like the sites you visit, while others are placed by third parties like advertisers.

Why do websites ask you to accept cookies? Websites have become more focused on asking you to accept cookies. The reason reflects a data privacy protection law that governs online data tracking and transparency.

This data privacy law is known as the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which became enforceable in May 2018. The GDPR legislation requires all multinational companies to provide an opt-in, whereby website owners receive a user’s permission to use cookies before they can be stored on a user’s web browser. This opt-in is designed to give users greater control over their data, knowing the data is being collected if they provide consent to its data collection.

A website owner’s noncompliance may result in fines. This potential legal violation has led to more websites sending cookie notifications to ensure they are in compliance.

4 times you shouldn’t accept or keep cookies. There are some scenarios where you may not want to accept or keep cookies. Here are five examples:

1. Unencrypted websites. Why is this dangerous? If a website isn’t encrypted, there is no security to protect your data.
2. Third-party cookies. Not all cookies are the same. It’s a good idea to reject third-party cookies. If you don’t decline, the website could sell your browsing data to third parties. For one thing, you don’t get to choose third parties.
3. Slowed computer speed. Having new cookies stored in your browser repeatedly can also slow down your computer. Cookies occupy disk space, which can affect your computer’s speed.
4. Use of personal information. If you’re sharing personal data like your social security number (SSN) or banking information, you should decline the use of cookies to stay safe. This is the type of personally identifiable information (also called PII) that, if intercepted by the wrong parties, could help fraudsters commit online frauds like identity theft. Personal information like your social security number specifically should always be kept private and only shared when absolutely necessary and with the highest regard for privacy and security.