As you browse the internet, you’ve likely come across pop-ups that ask you to accept cookies or make a decision about which ones to accept. When I visit a website, I’m not there to be immediately forced to make a decision about how my cookies are handled. Is this really necessary?
Please note this is not legal advice. It’s important to consult with legal professionals for specific legal advice.
What are cookies and why do we need them?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device by websites that you visit. They’re used to remember user preferences, login information, and other details that help improve your experience on a website. They can also be used to track user behavior for advertising purposes.
In general, cookies are necessary for many websites to function properly. Without them, you may find yourself having to re-enter login information every time you navigate to a different page or losing items in your shopping cart.
Common ways cookies are used
- Maintaining information from one page to another
As mentioned earlier, cookies are commonly used to maintain information from one page to another. This can include login information, shopping cart items, and other details that help improve your experience on a website.
- Personalization
Cookies can be used to personalize your experience on a website. This can include things like showing you relevant content, remembering your language preferences, and more.
- Analytics
Cookies can be used to track user behavior on a website. This can help website owners understand how users interact with their site and make improvements based on that data.
- Advertising
Cookies can be used for advertising purposes. This includes tracking user behavior across different websites to show more targeted ads.
Are cookie pop-ups necessary for my website?
In general, American websites don’t need cookie pop-ups unless they’re collecting personal data or are subject to GDPR regulations (Applies to European Union). However, it’s important for website owners to review their specific situation and consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with any relevant regulations. Having a privacy policy that includes information about cookies your site uses that your visitors can choose to access is recommended.
Why are cookie pop-ups so common?
Despite not likely needing them, many American-based businesses have cookie pop-up boxes on their website. This is often because the warning box is included as part of the website template that was developed to be used by an international customer base, and website owners may not understand how to disable it, or whether it should be. So, do your website visitors a favor and consider dumping that cookie notification box.