Are Tracking cookies safe. how to Stop websites from tracking cookies
We spend a significant portion of our time online, whether it’s shopping, browsing, or chatting with friends. According to the Digital 2024: Global Overview Report, internet users aged 16 to 64 spend an average of six hours and 40 minutes daily on the internet. While surfing different websites, these sites often gather data about our browsing habits using tracking cookies. Although generally not harmful, some experts warn that these cookies can potentially compromise your online privacy by collecting and sharing your data without consent.
What are tracking cookies?
When users visit websites, their login details, preferences, and browsing behavior are stored as small text files on their device, known as cookies. Some cookies expire once the browser is closed—these are called session cookies.However, other cookies store login details and preferences for a set period to improve future visits. These cookies track your interests and online activity, adjusting search results and advertisements based on your behavior. These are known as tracking cookies.
These are persistent cookies and remain on the device until deleted. The function of cookies is to help websites function more efficiently. But sometimes third parties use cookies to track information which raises privacy concerns. Ultimately, it is needed to prevent websites from tracking cookies.
Are Tracking cookies safe
The primary purpose of cookies is not to track your personal information, and they are generally not considered unsafe. Marketing or product-based websites commonly use cookies to monitor your specific interests. Some cookies store login details for future use, simplifying the login process. However, the main concern with tracking cookies is the potential invasion of your privacy.
Cross-Site Tracking poses a significant risk, as these cookies can follow you across various websites. This allows advertisers to bombard you with interest-based ads tailored to your browsing habits.
Following are the steps to prevent the tracking.
Disabling Third Parties Cookies
An effective way to limit websites from tracking your activities is by blocking third-party cookies. These cookies are placed by domains other than the one ausers visit. They are installed by advertisers and marketers to track users building their profiles. For the purpose, adjust the privacy settings on browser.
In a browser, navigate to settings, and find privacy and Security. There you can locate Cookies and Other sites data. Most browsers offer the similar steps. This blocking reduces the potential for profiling and leads to a secure browsing experience.
Incognito mode
Another effective way to enhance online privacy is using Incognito mode. This browser mode does not save any data, including cookies, cached files, and history. This mode is usually used on public or shared devices to remove the activity history. It is important to remember that incognito does not prevent websites from data collection, nor does it stop ISPs from monitoring. It just affects the device.
That means the cookies stored in this mode will be deleted from the device after the window is closed. This step prevents the website from tracking the session over time. However, any bookmark or downloaded item will remain on the system. This mode is also ideal for searching sensitive topics or signing into multiple accounts. Combining privacy tools with incognito mode would work for a more comprehensive protection.
Clear Cookies Regularly
To prevent websites from accumulating extensive data and maintaining online privacy, clearing cookies regularly is essential. By clearing cookies periodically, the tracking is disrupted and it is ensured that websites don’t have continuous access. To get this step done, go to the browser settings and locate Clear Browsing Data. Choose to delete cookies and other site data. Many browsers also have the option to clear the cookies data after the browser is closed once. But this can also delete log-in details and you have to enter the data every time you visit the website.
Use Extensions
To block tracking cookies and scripts, using extensions is an effective way. These tools prevent advertisers from following users’ activities and collecting data.
One of the most popular extensions is uBlock Origin. This is an open-source extension that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains. Users can create custom filters and control the blocked content offering efficient and lightweight protection.
Another extension is Privacy Badger developed by EFF. The extension automatically learns to block invisible trackers based on their behavior, not on predefined lists.
Another extension, Ghostery offers real-time visibility into trackers. Users can block scripts and trackers selectively
Enable Do Not Track
The DNT option is a signal that users do not prefer to be tracked. The feature sends a request in browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari to websites asking them not to collect data. The option, however, is enabled through settings, but it is the website that decides the effectiveness by honoring the request. Unfortunately, several sites do not comply as DNT lacks legal reinforcement in some regions. However, it is still a useful feature by working in pairs with other tools.
Cookie blocking Software
Intrusive ads and trackers can be blocked by ad-blockers and anti-tracking tools to prevent website tracking. Software like AdGuard not only blocks but also prevents tracking and malicious websites from accessing the data. They work by identifying and blocking scripts that place cookies on the browser, securing the information.
Similarly, Disconnect blocks tracking, giving users control over actions by showing which sites are been blocked.
Such software enhances privacy and reduces dangers of data leaks.
Privacy-focused Browsers
The most effective way to prevent data collection and tracking is using a browser that emphasizes privacy and security. Browsers such as Brave and Firefox focus on enhancing online security by protecting personal information. They block the tracking cookies and scripts by default and prevent third-party monitoring and intervention. Similarly, Brave blocks ads and trackers and has built-in HTTPS which ensures secure connection. Moreover, Firefox has specific features designed for private browsing sessions. Browsing history and cookies are automatically deleted after each session prioritizing anonymity. Switching to these browsers allows a smoother and faster experience reducing the digital footprint.
