What The Tech: Browsers and Cookies

CHARLOTTE, N.C.- All internet browsers are in the cookie business. Google Chrome’s cookies have a different flavor.

In a recent announcement that has sent ripples through the privacy world, Google has decided not to phase out third-party cookies in its Chrome browser. This reversal of a previous commitment means that Google will continue to track your searches, website visits, and clicks within the Chrome ecosystem and allow companies to do the same, even if you’ve never visited those websites.

This data is a goldmine for advertisers, allowing them to target users with personalized ads.

But what exactly are cookies, and why should you care? Cookies are small files stored on your devices that identify you and your online behavior. First-party cookies are created by the websites you visit directly, while third-party cookies come from external sources, often advertisers.

These cookies can track your location, interests, and even the type of device you use.

Many websites accept payment from other websites for sharing user information and by allowing those third-parties to place their own cookies on someone’s device.

While Firefox and Safari have already blocked third-party cookies, Google’s decision to retain them has raised concerns among privacy advocates. Apple, in a bid to attract privacy-conscious users, has launched a provocative ad campaign highlighting Chrome’s tracking practices.

The ad shows smartphone users browsing the internet, sending texts, scrolling through social media accounts as creepy bird-like creatures with giant camera lenses swoop down to spy on their screens.

So, what can you do to protect your privacy?

You can adjust your browser settings to reject third-party cookies, but this requires a couple of clicks each time you visit a new website.

A more convenient solution is to switch to a privacy-focused browser like Safari or Firefox.

Safari, available for Apple devices and PCs, blocks third-party cookies by default. Firefox, compatible with all major platforms, offers even stronger privacy protections by preventing websites from sharing your information across different sites.

While changing your browsing habits might seem inconvenient, the trade-off for enhanced privacy could be worth it. Google’s decision has sparked a renewed focus on online privacy, and it’s up to individual users to decide how much of their personal data they are willing to share.

In its announcement Google said it will continue to allow third-party cookies but will introduce a “new experience” that gives users the option to change their tracking preferences when they update or first use the Chrome browser.

Since Google first announced a change to third-party cookies and their “Privacy Sandbox” way back in 2020, we may have a long wait to see what’s going to change.