Cookies: Are they good or bad for you?

No, I’m not talking about the mouth-watering treats that come in so many delicious flavours (double choc-chip girl over here). I’m talking about website cookies.

So, what exactly is a cookie?

Cookies are text files with small pieces of data — like a username and password — that are used to identify your computer as you use a computer network. Specific cookies known as HTTP cookies are used to identify specific users and improve your web browsing experience. - Kaspersky.com

But did you know there are multiple flavours types of cookies.

Session cookies are only temporary and are deleted once the browser is closed. They do not collect personalised information about the user but rather the session ID.

Persistent cookies in comparison are permanently stored on a consumer’s device and remain there until they expire or are deleted by the user. This type of cookie collects data on web browsing behaviour, specific preferences and even sign-on credentials.

These terms may seem familiar. Some websites now have to legally include a popup which asks whether you want to accept cookies on the site before continuing to browse. These laws and regulations vary per location. For example, countries within the European Union are covered under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). To remain compliant with the GDPR, the cookie banner works on an ‘opt-in’ basis and requires consent from consumers to collect their personal data. In Australia, companies are required to have a privacy policy on their website which discloses the use of cookies and third-party tracking technologies.

Let’s look at one of my favourite websites, The Iconic, and see how they use cookies across their platforms. Their privacy policy states that they utilise both session and persistent cookies to provide a personalised customer experience each time a user visits their site or app. This helps to explain why every time I visit the desktop site, I’m already logged in, the brands featured on the landing page are tailored to my past shopping habits and my Wishlist notifies me if an item is back in stock.

I would love to know your view on cookies, the internet sort as well as your favourite dessert kind!