Cookie pop-ups
Cookie pop-ups appear on plenty of sites, and while they can be a bit irritating, the cookies themselves are quite straightforward.
What cookies actually are
A cookie is a small file that a website creates and stores in your browser. They’re tiny text files that help websites remember certain things about your visit. They might contain a unique ID, your preferred settings or details that help a site keep you logged in, making browsing smoother, quicker and more personalised.
Who can create and read cookies
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A website can only read the cookies it created.
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A website cannot read cookies created by another website.
Many sites also use features supplied by other organisations. Common examples include:
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Advertising services
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Maps
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Video players
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Social media buttons
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Traffic-measurement tools
When these features load, the companies providing them can save and read their own cookies. These are known as third-party cookies.
Key points to know:
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The main site you’re visiting can’t read those third-party cookies.
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Only the company that created a cookie can read it.
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If a company’s tools appear on many sites, its cookies may track activity across all of them.
How cookies work
When you visit a site, your browser may store:
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Cookies created by the site itself (first-party cookies).
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Cookies created by any outside companies providing tools on the page (third-party cookies).
When you return, your browser sends the relevant cookies back to whoever created them. This allows the site or service to recognise your device and apply the information stored.
Types of cookies
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Session cookies: Temporary cookies that last only while your browser is open. They’re often used for secure logins and forms.
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Persistent cookies: These stay on your device until they expire, or you delete them. They’re used to remember settings and keep you signed in if you’ve chosen that option.
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First-party cookies: Created by the site you’re visiting. They help with preferences, shopping carts, login sessions and basic site functionality.
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Third-party cookies: Created by outside companies providing services on the page. They’re commonly linked with advertising, analytics and social media features.
What cookies can and can’t do
Cookies can store small pieces of information that help a website remember you.
Cookies cannot:
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Run programs
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Access your files or photos
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Turn on your camera or microphone
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Read other companies’ cookies
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Gather new information without the website asking your browser to store it
Why consent pop-ups appear
Many websites show cookie banners because certain regions require clear consent before placing cookies that aren’t essential for basic site operation. Even if a site isn’t based in one of those regions, it may still display a pop-up, so it remains compliant for all visitors.
Managing cookies
Your browser lets you control how cookies are stored. You can:
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Block third-party cookies
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Delete individual cookies
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Clear all cookies
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Adjust how strict you want your settings to be
Blocking or deleting cookies may mean some sites forget your preferences or sign you out – meaning you will have to sign in again if you want to use that website.
Cookies aren’t as mysterious as they may seem. Once you know who creates them and what they can do, they become much easier to manage and far less confusing to deal with online.
