Cookies are commonly utilized to track browsing activities, including for advertising purposes. However, many users are concerned about their online behavior being monitored without their consent. Unfortunately, users often lack visibility or control over how their data is utilized by tracking services.
Even if cookie-based tracking does not directly reveal a user’s identity, certain tracking methods could potentially link browsing activity to real individuals. This raises concerns about privacy violations, ranging from intrusive advertising to more serious issues like monitoring or harassment.
To address these concerns, privacy laws such as the EU’s ePrivacy Directive regulate cookie usage. Under this directive, websites must obtain users’ informed consent before using cookies, with exceptions for cookies deemed “strictly necessary” for website functionality. Additionally, the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) considers cookie identifiers as personal data, subjecting them to strict data protection regulations.
In response to these laws, many websites now feature cookie banners that allow users to review and manage the cookies used by the site, providing users with more control over their online privacy.
