Cookies are small, often encrypted files that are located in browser directories. Cookies are used by website owners to perform tasks and help with managing the website. Some cookies are even vital for a website to function properly. For example, if you are using an online shop and you want to put an item into your shopping bag, you will need to accept cookies to perform such action.
Cookies are also required to keep user information, such as usernames, passwords, browsing activity, and to create personalized ads for the user. To do that, once you visit a website, it sends cookies to your device and loads a customized version for you. Cookies can be created not only by websites, but also come through widgets, ads, or other elements of the website.
While there are many ways to create them, cookies are dropped on the user's browser after consent to track is given. Only strictly necessary cookies are allowed without user consent. It is important to know that without strictly necessary cookies it would be impossible for you to save data on a website. For example, without cookies, you would not be able to save login details on a website or save items in your shopping cart after you close the browser’s window.
In the world of cookies, however, there is not much room for improvement on how they should act. There are many laws worldwide that regulate cookie usage and personal data tracking, including the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).