There probably isn’t a single internet user in the world that hasn’t dealt with targeting cookies (also known as advertising cookies) – even without knowing what they are. Even if they choose to opt out of cookie tracking, they still act as Tracking Cookies.

For those who don’t know, advertising cookies are small, encrypted files that track user actions and are used to identify visitors between different websites. Of course, if given consent to do so. Targeting cookies collect user information and use it to build a profile of visitor interests and then show personalized ads for that specific user.

However, not every person wants to have its actions on the internet tracked then websites and documented in an online database. Therefore, advertising cookies are always a hot topic for data geeks.

What Advertising Cookies are Used For?

Websites have their arguments – targeting cookies help to attract customers with targeted ads and also can be shared with other advertisers so that the performance of such targeted ads can be monitored and measured.

Moreover, targeting and advertising cookies have more than one purpose. They also help build user profiles – by tracking data, websites can offer their customers the best-suited ads for their needs and keep ad revenue coming in.

It is also important to note that advertising cookies are almost always third-party cookies. That means such cookies follow users from one website to another. In that way, websites can target users by displaying advertising banners on other addresses online even after the user has left their particular site.

For example, social media platforms like Facebook can track users without getting separate consent – it is enough for a website to put a Facebook widget onto its homepage and then Facebook will be able to track information and provide specialized ads on their social media apps and websites.

How to Disclose Cookies?

To comply with the latest privacy regulations around the world, such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation and California Consumer Privacy Act, you should provide information not only about advertising cookies but about all the cookies your website is using.

Therefore, on your Cookie Banner, there should be information about the type and duration of your website’s cookies. However, that may not be enough as most regulations, such as the GDPR, are requiring more information to be disclosed, including their purpose and classification – there might be first-party, third-party, or session cookies stored on your website.

Of course, the best way to put together all the information needed is through a Cookie Banner – in that way your website can remain compliant with all the privacy laws worldwide and users can make an informed decision on cookie tracking, including advertising cookies too. Here is an example of how your Cookie Banner might look if you decide to work with CookieScript:

Cookie Banner from CookieScript

Your Best Cookie Management Solution

If you want a GDPR-compliant solution that will manage your website cookies without any additional effort, choose CookieScript. It’s a platform that’s recognized worldwide by many and it offers top-notch cookie management services.

Accepting advertising cookies can be a real struggle for most users online, but if they have all the required information at bay before deciding, with a cookie banner from CookieScript it is all possible to do – it scans, groups cookies and lists their purposes. Try CookieScript Cookie Scanner below and see yourself:

Frequently Asked Questions

How are cookies used in advertising?

In advertising, cookies help to attract customers with targeted ads and also can be shared with other advertisers so that the performance of such targeted ads can be monitored and measured. Cookies also help build user profiles – by tracking data, websites can offer their customers the best-suited ads. Learn more about how to offer your users the best cookie solution with CookieScript.

How do I get rid of advertising cookies?

If you want to get rid of advertising cookies, you should opt out of cookie tracking when you are visiting a website for the first time. It is easy to do when websites are using a cookie banner from CookieScript – it gives users an option to opt-out of cookies at any given time.

Do targeted ads use cookies?

Yes, targeted ads use cookies to track user data and optimize relevant ads based on user preferences. Most websites rely on cookie tracking to create personalized ads for their users. However, users need to be informed before the tracking procedures and CookieScript’s Cookie Banner can help to prepare your website for cookie tracking.