Privacy Concerns with Internet and Computer Cookies

While using the Web the term “cookie” is often used. Many people don’t even realize this is a technical term and most people have no idea what it is. By definition, a cookie is a small amount of data which usually includes a unique number or string of characters to identify you. If the web site you are visiting uses cookies, their computers send this cookie to your browser which is saved on your computer’s hard drive. If you have you have configured your settings to allow web sites to send you cookies, each site can send, view or edit the cookie that they have placed on your hard drive. For privacy concerns, web sites are not allowed to view cookies placed on your hard drive by other web sites.

With the increase in the number of web sites that are using cookies, privacy advocates are concerned that these little amounts of data stored on their hard drive could pose concerns about their privacy. All Internet browsers give you the option to accept, reject or notify you each time a cookie is sent to your computer but if you simply choose to reject all cookies, you will not be able to use a lot of web sites including many of them that require you to log in like Google or Yahoo.

Advantages of Cookies

• Cookies help web sites customize their site for you. The information stored on that cookie communicates with the web site each time you come back. It can remember pages you have been to or on shopping sites, it can help you track a wish list so you can easily reference these items later.
• Many web sites give you options or preferences for their web site. You may be able to control what pops up when you first log in or simple things like the size of the font and color of the background. Cookies retain this information so you don’t have to change these preferences every time you go back to a web site.
• Since cookies retain information about some of the different pages you visit, the web site you are using can use this information to display advertisements that are directed more to you and your tastes. Instead of seeing advertisements that have nothing to do with you, you may see some advertisements that you find interesting.
• Many web sites also use the information on cookies to conduct research and help improve their web sites. Cookies can also be used to detect illegal activities on the web.

Disadvantages of Cookies.

• The major disadvantage of allowing web sites to send your computer cookies is issues with privacy. Many people don’t want to be identified on the web and have their moves tracked.
• One of the advantages listed above had to do with advertisements being directed to you. Many people consider this a disadvantage because they don’t want marketers tracking their moves and pushing specific advertisements towards them.
• Your Internet browser which communicates with the web site’s computer may be giving up more information than you are aware of. Your browser and cookies can tell web sites what kind of computer you are using, what software and hardware you use, what link you used to find their site and possibly your e-mail address if it is listed within the options or cookie. Depending on your Internet Service Provider (ISP), some web sites will request your identity when you navigate to their page. Many firewalls currently block this request but if you are not protected, you may be freely giving this information away.
• The cookie contains a number that is specific to you, similar to a serial number. It’s unique and you are the only one using it. Because of this, each time you click on a link, the web site can identify that it was you and where you are going based on this unique number. Your hobbies and web habits could potentially be sold to advertising companies that will direct their efforts to your specific hobbies and bombard you with all kinds of unwanted advertising.

Cookies can make the web a more enjoyable experience but if you are concerned about your privacy and potential unwanted advertising, check your browser options to turn them off.