What is a cookie?
Definition of cookies
The cookie is defined as a saved file; by the machine navigation tool in a dedicated storage space. It is stored when viewing a website. Its recording in the hard disk does not give rise to any reason; the disclosure of personal information concerning the Internet user. Thanks to; this text file, the website can identify the terminal in which it is deposited; and memorize the information necessary to his journey.
These are single files. To answer to; the question of how to know if a site uses cookies, just open the site and a warning message appears. This window, also called cookie pop up, allows Internet users to consent to the use of cookies to each visit to the platform. It usually only appears once.
How cookies work
Cookies do not directly identify a user since they do not contain a first or last name. The device browser is supported. Furthermore, the term “ cookies” can designate different technologies, such as invisible digital beacons or images embedded on web pages or in emails. As a general rule, the lifespan of a cookie is a maximum of thirteen months after it is recorded in the machine’s storage space. It cannot be extended during new visits to the platform.
Online platforms collect information about Internet users at various times. using their IP address and cookies. The IP makes it possible to determine from where come from the visitors, whether it is the city, the region or the country. To ensure regularity the mode of operation of cookies, the National Commission for Informatics and Liberties or CNIL established a law helping to strengthen the protection of website visitors.
À what are cookies for?
À Basically, cookies are used to memorize information entered in a form filled out on the site. This information may be the user’s name, address and password. In this way, the latter will no longer have to enter this information on their next visit. He remains the only one to be able to access the cookie file. Some cookies can store a shopping cart, while others can store other settings, such as site language or advertising. targeted.
To better understand the usefulness of cookies, it is necessary to distinguish between their variants, in particular cookies:
- Audience measurement;
- techniques;
- Advertising
- Sharing.
Technical cookies
This type of cookie allows Internet users to access the platform while securing their personal data. They are essentially necessary for navigation and are essential for mobile applications. They provide access to; all features of the site or application and recognize users to each of their visits. They help to the memorization of passwords as well as information entered in a form filled in on the site.
Technical cookies have the particularity; to secure navigation. À For this purpose, they can for example ask visitors to reconnect to space adhere after a long period of inactivity. However, access to the site is not conditional on access to the site. by the use of cookies, which means that it is possible to delete cookies while accessing the Internet. the platform.
These cookies do not last long. They can be deleted at any time. through browser settings. In this case, the user risks no longer accessing the site, application or platform services web. Their lifespan may be limited to a few hours or so one year maximum.
Audience measurement cookies
These cookies analyze the traffic rate of Internet users and identify any browsing problems. It’s thanks to; them that online platforms can improve the quality of of their services as well as their accessibility. Audience measurement cookies are practically used to measure the effectiveness commercial actions.
It is also possible to refuse the use of these cookies. Their lifespan is limited to thirteen months.
Advertising cookies
Advertising cookies facilitate the adaptation of advertising media to the centers of interest of visitors. They give them access to the various advertisements and sponsored links of the site taking into account the profile, the browser, the information sought and the geographical position. Advertising content can be improved through the use of site partner technologies.
Using advertising cookies, the platform's business partners direct their visitors to sponsored links or advertising sites. corresponding to centers of interest. The collection of information is carried out at; using technology provided by partners. Each page visited contains cookies, so as to measure the interaction with each advertisement as well as the efficiency of a campaign.
Furthermore, advertising cookies limit the number of views of the same advertising poster on the same medium.
Sharing cookies
These sharing cookies are used to; optimize interactivity on social networks. They promote the sharing of content and opinions on the site or application. They are displayed as soon as certain parameters are activated, as is the case for the “I’like” and “share” on Facebook and Twitter. Some buttons even allow users to be identified, as long as they did not use them during their last visit.
Internet users must however remain vigilant on this type of site, as their privacy is often threatened by the various forms of piracy.