What are cookies?

Cookies are not filled with just standard information such as language preferences or logged-in statuses. They contain specific details such as a unique identifier, expiration time and the domain of the website that placed them. These details allow websites to optimize and personalize the user experience for each unique visitor.

‍

How do you delete cookies?

As a user, you have control over your own cookies. Per website, you can delete your stored cookies, so on the sites where you want to delete them you can do this yourself. Deleting your cookies has both advantages and disadvantages, so think carefully about which pages you delete your cookies on. There are several ways to do this easily through your browser's privacy settings, using a browser extension or by managing your device's site data in your browser. If you need a step-by-step guide, you can find one here.

‍

What cookies are there?

There are different types of cookies. Essential cookies are crucial to the proper functioning of a website. For example, they store that you are logged in. Performance cookies track statistics, such as the number of visitors, to improve the website. Functional cookies remember your preferences, while tracking cookies track your online behavior for targeted advertisements.

‍

What cookies does my website use?

Each site may use different cookies depending on its purpose and functionality. You can see which applications are loaded per site by inspecting the site or by looking at the cookies and site data next to the address bar. You can also consult a website's privacy statement or cookie banner to gain insight into which cookies are used.

‍

Which cookies should you reject to avoid unwanted advertising?

There is no one type of cookie you can reject to prevent all unwanted advertising. However, you can reject tracking or advertising cookies. These cookies track your online behavior for targeted advertising. Refusing them will result in a less personalized experience. The ads you see may not match what you need or want to see. So it remains to be seen what is unwanted advertising for you, is that impersonal advertising or is that all online advertising in general?

‍

Why are cookies mandatory?

Cookies are not always required, but they are essential for certain functionalities. These are referred to as necessary or functional cookies in a cookie banner. These cookies are necessary for the user experience by remembering information and facilitating navigation. Just imagine putting an item in your shopping cart and having to perform this action all over again the next time you visit the site, necessary cookies ensure that this is not necessary.

‍

Why is a cookie banner required?

As a result of international laws, such as the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), websites are required to ask for permission to use certain cookies. Visitors to a site must be given the option of not being tracked to ensure their online privacy by being able to refuse advertising, analytical, performance and tracking cookies.

‍

How do you set up a cookie banner?

A cookie banner informs visitors about the use of cookies and offers the opportunity to consent or reject cookies. This banner should clearly explain which cookies are used and for what purposes.

‍

Cookies play a crucial role in everyone's online experience. They are responsible not only for targeting the content of a website, but also for maintaining the functionality of many websites. By being intentional about cookie settings, visitors' online privacy can be better managed while also benefiting from a personalized Internet experience.