what is internet cookies

features of internet cookies

management and laws around internet cookies

 

You’ve all inevitably come across cookies in your life, and I’m not talking about the kitchen. Internet cookies arouse the curiosity of many Internet users and we will explain everything in this infographic. 

 

INTERNET COOKIES

  • Definition : In a few words, cookies are small texts inserted on your computer after your navigation session. These files record data about your behavior on the web and analyze them to personalize your future browsing.
  • In the beginning : Cookies were invented to allow websites to have a form of memory. This function allows a more simplified interaction between the site and the user, as well as reinforcing the user’s experience on the site. Given the potential of these cookies, they have quickly become a double-edged sword.
  • Customization : On the one hand, cookies greatly contribute to the online user experience. Indeed, they allow users to have a personalized experience based on their preferences. Suggestions are then tailored to them, saving time and effort in their searches.
  • Privacy policy : On the other hand, the use of personal data on the internet can seem like an invasion of privacy. This is why many people do not agree with cookies.However, this data is a real source of information and improvement for websites that can refine their persona and offer the right content.

 

FEATURES

  • Categories : According to the cookiebot website, there are 5 categories of cookies. Among them are strictly necessary cookies, performance cookies, functionality cookies, marketing & targeting cookies and other cookies (also called unknown cookies). The first three categories of cookies are considered necessary and allow the optimization of the user experience. The last two categories however, have purposes that are less clear.
  • Time : Once a website sends a cookie to your browser, it asks the browser to keep it until a certain time and date. However, the law requires that cookies be deleted on a regular basis. In France, the maximum duration of cookies is 13 months, according to the CNIL (Commission nationale de l’informatique et des libertés). At the end of this period, consent to cookies must be requested again. Therefore, after you have consented to cookies on a website, the website will personalize your experience for the next 13 months.
  • Types : 
  • Session cookies : Session cookies expire as soon as you leave the site: they are temporary. Most of the time, they are used by e-commerce companies so that the items you put in your shopping cart stay there for the time of your session on the site.
  • Permanent cookies : Permanent cookies can remain on your hard drive even after your session has ended. Generally, they retain data such as your contact information and account number, so you don’t have to re-enter them each session.
  • Internal cookies : Internal cookies are set by the site on which you are browsing. They allow the site in question to know your preferences and to have some data concerning you for a personalized navigation.
  • Third-party cookies : Third-party cookies come from a site other than the one you are visiting. They are useful for targeted marketing purposes in that they collect information about your behavior and demographics.

 

MANAGEMENT AND LAWS

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

What – The GDPR is a European law that governs the collection and processing of personal data from individuals within the European Union. Therefore, all website owners and operators must ensure the compliance of their data collection and processing.

Why – The idea behind the GDPR is to hold companies accountable in order to protect the interests of all. Thus, everything is possible, provided that transparency towards individuals, security and confidentiality of their data, and accountability of subcontractors by the principals are respected.

Cookies – The GDPR requires your website to collect personal data from users only for specific, explicit and legitimate purposes, having previously gotten their clear and affirmative consent.

 

CNIL (National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties)

What – The CNIL was created in 1978 in order to protect privacy and individual liberties in a context of computer development in France. This commission’s vocation is to help individuals in their data protection, but also to accompany professionals in their compliance.

Missions – In addition to imposing sanctions, the CNIL’s main objective is to allow technological innovation without prejudice to individual liberties. Therefore, its missions are: 1. to inform and protect rights; 2. to accompany in conformity and to advise; 3. to anticipate and innovate; 4. to control and sanction.

Cookies – In 2020, the CNIL opted for new features including cookies and other trackers. Thus, it requires that it be as easy to accept as to refuse the use of cookies. In addition, the validity and refusal period must be the same for all users of the website. And finally, the grouped acceptance of general terms and conditions of sale does not equal consent.

 

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, you will be confronted more than ever with these small cookies that make your browsing more personalized. If you have any questions about this article, please let us know.