The Importance of Deleting Cookies
I’m getting hungry just writing this blog. Cookies in your computer are VERY different than grandma’s famous chocolate chip. They are small files that are placed on your hard drive while the user is unknowingly surfing the web. Cookies are kind of like memories. They remember websites visited, what you are interested in buying, cart history, and personal payment information. Have you ever visited a website, put items in your cart but did not follow through on purchasing them? Later, you go back to that site and those items are still in your cart – that’s the magic of cookies! The eCommerce stores want to make your shopping experience as easy as possible, so you have a better chance of purchasing. They will store your credit card, name, address, etc. so that you don’t have to go through the hassle of typing it all again during your next visit. So nice of them, right?
There is a downside. This is a matter of private information that just like anything else, can be accessed by the wrong hands. Unauthorized parties can use this information to hack into social media networks or any other online account that is frequented. This is also a matter of storage. Those cookies take up space as they are small files. Small files that eventually can add up to big storage.
Should I Allow Cookies when asked permission?
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) – “all EU member states must treat cookies and other technical identifiers as personal data.” This means they must explain to you how they are going to use your information and make it opt-in only. If you feel that this is a reputable site and they are clearly using your information for convenience purposes on your end, go ahead and accept. Personally, I don’t ever allow cookies when asked. I get enough of them involuntarily. I appreciate the polite gesture, but I’ll always click deny.
In conclusion, cookies (just like the ones you eat) are only good in moderation. Therefore, whenever you have some spare time, it would be healthy for your computer to delete them.
You might be thinking, “How do I do this?”
Visit this website and follow their directions on how to delete cookies via different devices and browsers:
https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-privacy-how-to-clear-cookies.html
Blog written by Maria Berra 7/2/20