Most times, when surfing the internet for information or contributions to a project I am working on, I get a pop-up message asking me to “Accept all Cookies”. In my quest to complete my search, I usually acquiesce so I can access the information I need. But one time, my instinctive self asked: Why do I normally get these pop-up messages?
Whenever we click “Accept Cookies” on a website, most of us do so without a second thought. Yet behind that simple button lies a powerful tool that shapes how we experience the internet and how much of ourselves we leave behind while browsing.
According to IT consultant Daniel Bampoe, cookies are small files created by websites and stored on our devices. They act like memory keepers, helping a website recognise us when we return. This is why your shopping cart may still have items waiting for you, or why you do not have to retype your login details every time you open a browser.
In essence, cookies make browsing smoother, but they also have another side—one that raises questions about privacy.
He classified cookies into two broad types. The first are “Essential Cookies,” which are necessary for a website to function. Then there are “Tracking and Third-Party Cookies,” which are often used for targeted advertising and data collection.
The latter, he said, can map out your browsing habits across different websites, building a profile that companies use to serve you personalised ads. While this can feel convenient, it also means your online behaviour can be constantly monitored.
“This can lead to privacy issues; your more personal browsing data might be shared with these companies, and they may bombard you with a lot of personalised ads that sometimes can surprise you,” he warned.
That is why when you search for “where to get a quality juicer” in your browser, you may keep seeing advertisements for juicers on almost every website you visit.
“If the data is not kept securely and falls into the hands of scammers or hackers, they may use it to target you negatively,” he cautioned.
The impact of cookies, then, is double-edged. On the one hand, they improve the user experience; on the other, they open the door to potential overexposure of personal information.
“It’s not always harmful,” Daniel noted, “but without proper awareness, you could be sharing far more about yourself than you intend.”
Protecting your online privacy is very important, and adjusting your cookie settings is one of the most effective ways to do so.
But how do we adjust our cookie settings?
“For Google Chrome:
Click on the three dots at the top right of your interface.
A drop-down menu will appear. Click on Settings, then go to Privacy and Security.
Locate ‘Third-party cookies’ from the menu list and select ‘Block third-party cookies’ to complete your security settings,” Mr Bampoe advised.
“For Microsoft Edge:
Click on the three dots at the extreme top right of the interface.
A drop-down menu will appear. Click on Settings.
Click on Manage cookies.
Locate Privacy, Search, and Services.
Select ‘Block third-party cookies,’” he added.
Mr Bampoe advocated for strict laws to punish websites that force users to accept unnecessary cookies or trick them into accepting cookies for their personal gain at the expense of users.
Cookies, in the end, are neither inherently good nor bad; they are tools. Like any tool, their impact depends on how they are used and how much control you retain over them.
So, the next time a website asks you to “accept cookies,” pause for a second. It is not just a pop-up; it is a decision about your privacy.
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