Cookies are small files that are stored on a user’s device when the user visits a website. They serve to remember information about the user’s interaction with that site, such as preferences, login data or browsing habits.
Cookies can be “session” cookies, which are deleted when the user closes his or her browser, or “persistent” cookies, which remain on the device even after the browser is closed and can be accessed on subsequent visits. In addition, cookies can be “own”, implemented by the site the user visits, or “third party”, implemented by external services, such as advertisers or analysts.
While cookies have useful functions, such as personalizing the user experience or facilitating authentication, they have also raised privacy concerns, as they can be used to track users’ online behavior and collect data without their consent.
