What Are Cookies and How Do They Collect Data on the Internet?

What Are Cookies? Did you know that browsing the internet can leave a digital trail without you realizing it? Learn more about it!

THE use of cookies is common and makes many people wonder about internet privacy and data collection.

But what are these little files and how do they work?

Cookies are text files that websites send to the user's browser.

They collect data about how you browse.

This could be to maintain a logged-in session or to show you ads based on your actions across the web.

The law on cookies varies, but the GDPR in the European Union and the LGPD in Brazil call for transparency and consent.

For example, starting in 2024, Google will block third-party cookies in Chrome for some users.

This will change how we browse and what we see on the internet.

Main Conclusions

• Cookies are small text files sent by websites to browsers to collect user browsing data.
• THE LGPD in Brazil and GDPR in the European Union require transparency and consent for the use of cookies.
• Third-party cookies can personalize browsing experiences by displaying advertisements based on collected data.
• Up to 80% of the websites use cookies for login and user tracking functions.
• Users can block the collection of cookies through their browser settings.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that a website sends to a user's browser.

They record navigation data.

This helps personalize your web experience by remembering things like your preferred language and items in your shopping cart.

Cookies were created in the 1990s by Lou Montulli. They help in e-commerce.

A great benefit is that shopping cart items are saved even when changing pages.

If there were no cookies, platforms like Netflix and YouTube would ask you to log in for every video.

This would make navigation more difficult. Cookies are generated with user information, such as text in forms and search queries.

These files may expire when the user closes the browser or have no time limit for being removed.

They allow websites to identify users, even without direct visits.

However, cookies also have security risks.

Hackers can use this information for scams.

Removing cookies frequently can cause problems, such as having to log in to account services again.

Functionality	Durability	Use
Preference Cookies	6 to 13 months	Remembering user preferences
Session Cookies	Until the browser closes	User session maintenance
Security Cookies like 'secure' and 'HttpOnly'	Indefinite	Protection against attacks and fraud
Advertising Cookies	90 days to 24 months	Ad personalization
Performance Cookies	30 minutes to 2 years	Measuring campaign effectiveness

For added security, “secure” ensures that cookies are only sent over HTTPS.

“HttpOnly” prevents access by JavaScript scripts.

Parameters like “path” limit access to cookies, improving security.

Understanding cookies and their uses makes browsing safer and more conscious.

Types of Cookies

There are several types of cookies, each with its own function and duration.

You session cookies are temporary, they live while the browser is open.

On the other hand, the persistent cookies have an expiration date and stay on your device even after you close the browser.

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Cookies are also divided by who issues them.

First-party cookies are from the website you are visiting. The third party cookies are from other services or advertisements.

Additionally, cookies are categorized by their purposes:

Cookie Type	Description
Fundamental Cookies	Essential for navigation and features such as shopping carts and electronic payments.
Analysis Cookies	They collect information about the use of the website, such as most visited pages, anonymously.
Personalization Cookies	They remember user preferences such as language and text size.
Targeted Advertising Cookies	Collect browsing data to target relevant ads and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns

You session cookies and the persistent cookies greatly improve the user experience.

They remember your preferences and show you more interesting ads.

How Do Cookies Work?

Cookies are a process between your browser and the website server. In 1994, Lou Montulli created the HTTP cookie. He was inspired by the concept of the “magic cookie”.

When you visit a website, the server sends a cookie file to your browser.

This file is stored locally.

On subsequent visits, the browser sends this file to the server.

This allows the website to retrieve previous information, such as user preferences.

THE cookie functionality improves the browsing experience.

They collect information about logins, video viewing status, and items in shopping carts.

About 90% of the web pages use cookies to personalize navigation.

THE cookie technology includes different types.

Session cookies are stored in RAM and are deleted when the session ends.

Persistent cookies can remain on the computer for a long time.

They have an expiration date so they are automatically removed.

Here's how the different types of cookies work and their purposes:

Table:

Cookie Type	Description	Purpose
Session Cookies	Temporarily stored in RAM and deleted when you close the browser.	Keep the user session active.
Persistent Cookies	Stored on the hard drive with a set expiration date.	Save user preferences and login data.
First-Party Cookies	Created by the website the user is browsing.	Personalize the browsing experience on the website itself.
Third Party Cookies	They originate from different domains, usually related to advertisements.	Track user activity for targeted advertising.
Zombie Cookies	Persistent cookies that may reappear after being deleted.	Difficult to remove and often associated with third-party tracking.

With the advancement of legislation, such as the EU GDPR and the LGPD in Brazil, websites need to ask for permission to use cookies.

Approximately 791% of consumers are concerned about online privacy.

This influenced the use of cookies and the data collection personal.

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What are browser cookies for?

Browser cookies are essential to your internet experience.

Since 1994, when Lou Montulli created them at Netscape, they have been improving the web. They make your browsing easier and more personalized.

You cookies keep you logged in to sites you visit frequently.

They also save your language preferences. And they make online shopping easier by keeping items in your cart even after you leave the site.

Cookies are crucial for online security. They help authenticate users and prevent fraud.

For example, when you access your online banking, cookies protect your account.

Cookies also influence the user experience and marketing strategies.

About 75% of companies use advertising cookies to improve their ads.

They personalize campaigns based on what you've already done online.

However, it is essential that you give your consent for the use of cookies. This is required by laws such as LGPD and GDPR.

Cookie Type	Purpose
Session Cookies	Stored temporarily while the user browses; they are deleted when the browser is closed.
Persistent Cookies	They remain in the browser indefinitely; used on future visits.
Analytical Cookies	Used to create and analyze statistics without collecting personal data.
Functionality Cookies	They save user preferences, preventing reconfigurations on subsequent visits.

Understand the cookies is crucial for safe and personalized browsing.

They improve your user experience.

Today, 85% of browsers allow you to control cookies, showing an increase in privacy awareness.

Cookie Risks and Data Protection

Cookies are useful, but they can be dangerous for your data privacy.

They collect browsing data and can identify who is accessing a website.

This helps personalize the experience on more than 80% of the sites that use this technology.

However, around 70% of websites store personal information using cookies. This only happens if users provide this data.

Cybercriminals can use cookies to steal financial information.

They are successful in 25% of cases. Additionally, marketing cookies track user activity on up to 80% of websites.

Using cookies can make digital marketing campaigns more effective.

This is because it is possible to better track user interactions.

But, more than 60% of users have already had problems with the data privacy because of this.

Disabling cookies can reduce the amount of personal data shared online by 30%.

This is according to browsing behavior analysis.

Only 15% of users disable cookies or manage their preferences.

Updating your anti-malware software can reduce the risk of infections masquerading as harmless cookies by up to 40%.

With laws like GDPR and LGPD, websites need to inform about the use of cookies.

They must ask for users' consent. The LGPD requires greater care with customers' personal data, including the use of cookies.

It is essential that users have options to manage their cookie preferences.

This helps prevent misuse of your information.

Safe navigation requires both awareness of cookie risks regarding the adoption of measures to strengthen the data protection personal.

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Conclusion

Cookies are essential to personalize and improve your online experience.

They help manage sessions and collect data about user behavior.

But with them comes the responsibility to protect user data, such as the LGPD in Brazil and the Cookie Law in the European Union.

THE importance of cookies is big. About 70% of users accept cookies on new sites.

They improve the browsing experience. Tools like Secure and SameSite increase data security.

But, it's important to be aware of the risks, especially with third-party cookies.

To manage cookies well, it is essential to clear cookies regularly.

Using private or incognito modes also helps.

Transparent cookie practices increase consumer trust.

So cookies are essential to your online experience, but care is needed to protect your privacy.