Here’s What Really Happens When You Accept Cookies

For the most part, cookies are fine, but it’s great to know that you can refuse them if you want to. 

As the demand for user privacy online increases, most platforms and browsers are already phasing out the most easily-compromised kind of cookies: third-party cookies. Google announced the phaseout from Chrome in 2020 and is working on removing them from the browser by the end of 2024, according to Cookiebot. Firefox is taking a similar approach by implementing what they call “total cookie control,” a measure that will minimize cookie tracking on other sites.

Also, Apple added a feature to iOS that requires that app developers ask for your consent before tracking your activities across applications or websites. You’ve probably seen the pop-up as you use apps, asking if you want to allow the app to track your activity. If you decline, the app you’re using will not be able to access your device’s advertising identifier, effectively preventing you from targeted ads, although there’s talk about Chinese adtech bypassing Apple’s tracking control.

When all is said and done, online cookies and real-life cookies should have one thing in common: You should know exactly what’s in them before you bite, and you should definitely be able to say no to them.