You have probably noticed that the majority of websites will now draw your attention to their cookie policy when you first visit the home page. ย This is because, in May 2012, a new EU law was introduced requiring all sites using cookies to request the express permission of each website user if they wish to store and retrieve data about your browsing habits.

When someone mentions the word โ€˜cookiesโ€™ what is the first thing that pops into your head? Donโ€™t worry, itโ€™s exactly the same with us! However, in the world of computers and the internet, cookies actually mean something very different.

Often portrayed as being either an intrusive spying mechanism or something completely harmless designed to make your online life easier, opinions and thoughts about cookies are varied. Below we highlighted some of the important information to help you form your own opinion.

Basic Files

First and foremost, contrary to many reports, cookies are NOT programs. They are simple โ€™text filesโ€™ which anyone can read using the โ€˜Notebookโ€™ program on your own internet-cookiesPC. They typically contain just two pieces of information, a site name and unique user ID.

How Do Cookies Work?

Each time you visit a website for the first time that uses cookies, a cookie will be downloaded onto your PC. This information will be used the next time you visit that site. When your PC checks to see if it has a cookie that is relevant (that is, one containing the site name).

The website will then be able to use the information that you have visited before to tailor your experience by choosing which adverts are displayed for example.

The Positives

Although containing only limited information, cookies are becoming more sophisticated. They now have the ability to record further details such as how long you spend on a particular page, which links you choose to click on etc. They can also be used to store data on what is in your โ€˜shopping cartโ€™, adding items as you click.

The possibilities are absolutely limitless. As such, the role of cookies can prove to be highly beneficial when trying to ensure that each user receives the best possible experience.

There can be little doubt that without cookies, online shopping would be much harder.

The Negatives

For a variety of reasons, many people have mixed feelings at best about the ability of any type of organisation to store information about you.

Whilst there are no personal details stored, it is certainly understandable if you do not like the idea of having your name being added to marketing lists. This information can even be used to target you for special offers or having a browsing profile constructed about you.

The Law!

It is important to make sure that you are not put off by this as the chances are you were probably sharing details with the website before without even knowing it. In many cases, you can click to say you understand the cookies policy but in many instances, you can simply ignore the announcement and continue browsing as normal.

If you choose, you can actually change the way cookies are stored on your computer by clicking on the ‘Tools’ menu in your internet browser. Hopefully, you will already find that implementation of the new law means your concerns about privacy and your personal data have been addressed.

We hope that this answers some of your questions.

Further Information

Footprint Web Designย have been at the forefront of web design and development for nearly 20 years. If you are looking for a website that truly represents your business, or advice on how to make your site stand out, then contact us today onย 01883 372 488, or via email atย info@footprint.co.uk.

Currently Browsing: Cookies? I Thought They Were Food!