Why does every website request that you accept their cookies? (2024)

Have you ever considered why you are required to accept cookies on a website even if you do not want to? First, accepting cookies always comes with some 'cookie policy' (yes, I also don't read). And you can't reject the tracking; if you do, your website won't run, or if it runs, pop up every minute and irritate until you accept, right? And more importantly, why do websites need them?

We, as a user, always tend to ignore this and end up accepting cookies. We always think about why they even exist. A cookie is a small text file that a website asks your browser to store. This file contains information about your visit to the website, such as your username, the pages you have visited, and the time and date of your visit.

Websites use cookies to keep track of your browsing activity and remember your preferences. When you return to a website that has stored cookies on your computer, the website can use the information in those cookies to provide you with a more personalized experience.

For example, a website may use cookies to remember your login information or to show you content that is relevant to you.

How do cookies work?

Cookies store information about your visits, such as your preferred language or the products you viewed. They can also store your login information to prevent you from re-entering it every time you visit the site. Cookies are generally harmless and are used to improve your browsing experience.

However, some cookies can track your browsing habits or collect personal information about you. If you don't want websites to be able to track your browsing habits, you can disable cookies in your browser settings.

In a nutshell, cookies identify you as a unique visitor and remember your preferences and settings.

For example, if you're logged into your account on a website, the site will use cookies to keep you logged in. Cookies can also remember your language and currency preferences. They act as a memory for websites so that you don't have to enter your information again and again. They make your experience on websites more convenient and tailored to your needs.

Now you must be worried about - Are cookies safe?

The server will send a cookie to your browser, storing the cookie on your device. The server can track certain information about your visits, such as your preferred language and other settings. Cookies also help websites remember your login information and other preferences.

While cookies are technically safe, they can be used to track your online behavior. That's why many people choose to disable cookies in their browsers.

How to control cookies?

When you visit a website, it may ask you to accept its cookies. They allow websites to remember your actions and preferences (such as login, language, font size, and other display settings) over some time, so you don't have to keep re-entering them whenever you return to the site.

While cookies are generally harmless, some people may not want to store this information on their computer or mobile device. If you're not comfortable with cookies, you can adjust your browser settings to reject them. However, this may cause some websites not to function correctly.

To finish,

They are widely used to make websites work or work more efficiently and provide information to the website owners. While cookies are generally safe and reliable, you do have some control over how cookies are used. For example, you can accept or decline cookies, and you can delete cookies that have been stored on your computer or mobile device.