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Glossary > Privacy > Internet And Digital Privacy > Digital Footprints And Data Brokers
Legal Disclaimers

Third-party Cookies

Third-party cookies are small pieces of data stored in a user's web browser by websites other than the one the user is currently visiting. These cookies track the user's online behavior across different sites, allowing third-party companies to gather information about the user's preferences, activities, and interactions online.

Example #1

If you visit a clothing website, and then later see ads for similar clothing items on a news website, that's likely due to third-party cookies tracking your browsing history.

Example #2

Imagine searching for a hotel in Paris, and then noticing travel ads on social media platforms promoting tours in France. This is the result of third-party cookies sharing your interests and online activities with various websites.

Misuse

Misuse of third-party cookies can lead to intrusive targeted advertising, where companies use your personal data to bombard you with ads based on your online behavior without your explicit consent. This practice can erode your privacy and autonomy, making you feel monitored and manipulated online. It's important to protect against this misuse by actively managing your cookie settings and limiting third-party access to your data.

Benefits

On the other hand, third-party cookies can enhance user experience by personalizing content and providing relevant recommendations based on your browsing history. For example, they can help tailor advertisements to your interests, making your online experience more customized and potentially saving you time by showing products or services you might genuinely be interested in.

Conclusion

While third-party cookies can offer benefits in terms of personalization and convenience, it's crucial to monitor their use to prevent potential privacy infringements. Consumers should be empowered to control their online privacy by understanding and managing cookie settings on their browsers.

Related Terms

Tracking CookiesPersonal DataConsentData ProtectionUser Consent

Last Modified: 4/30/2024
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