Chapter 02 — Technology & Internet
What are cookies and should I accept them?
Cookies are tiny text files a website stores on your device to remember things — your login, your cart, what ads you've seen. 'Essential' cookies make sites function; everything else is mostly tracking. Reject non-essentials when given a real choice; the site will still work.
Follow-up questions
What's the difference between first-party and third-party cookies?
First-party come from the site you're visiting (often useful). Third-party come from advertisers loaded onto that site — these are the ones browsers are killing off.
Does clearing cookies log me out?
Yes, of every site. It also resets personalisation. Worth doing every few months on personal devices, monthly on shared ones.
Is incognito mode actually private?
Locally, yes — no history saved. To the websites, your ISP, and your employer, no. Use a VPN for the network side, a privacy browser for tracking.
Are cookies dangerous?
Not on their own. The privacy concern is tracking cookies that follow you across sites.
How do I clear cookies?
In your browser's settings under Privacy. Doing it will log you out of everything.
People also search
- block tracking cookies
- best privacy browser
- gdpr cookie banner
- third party cookies
- gdpr explained
- privacy settings browser
Related across The Asked
Technology & Internet
Why is my Wi-Fi so slow?
Technology & Internet
How do I change my Wi-Fi password?
Technology & Internet
What is AI, really?
Technology & Internet
What is ChatGPT and how do I use it well?
Technology & Internet
What makes a password actually secure?
Technology & Internet
Why does my phone keep running out of storage?