## Cookies: The Guardian ( or Villain? ) of Your Online Privacy

How many times have you clicked "Accept all cookies" without even reading what you were accepting? If the answer is "always," you are not alone. But it's worth spending a few minutes to understand this tool that is on almost every site you visit.

## Where Do Cookies Come From?

When you access a website, the browser stores small text files on your computer. These files have a very simple purpose: to remember you. If you changed the display settings, logged into your account, or selected preferences, the cookie saves that information. The next time you return, the site reloads everything automatically – without needing to re-enter your password, background color, or font.

The name "cookie" comes from an old computing tool called _magic cookie_, crystallized in history by Lou Montulli, a programmer who helped popularize the practice.

## Two Worlds: First-Party vs. Third-Party Cookies

The most important classification is understanding who creates the cookie.

**Primary cookies** are created by the website you are visiting. Imagine you enter your favorite site about a specific topic, customize the layout, and after weeks you return – there are your saved settings. These cookies persist on the computer even after you close the browser (called _persistent cookies_), unlike _session cookies_ that disappear when you leave the site. Generally, primary cookies work to improve your experience, without major ethical issues.

**Third-party cookies**, however, tell a different story. Suppose two websites display ads from the same advertising provider. When you visit either of them, that provider creates a cookie on your computer for tracking purposes. As you browse multiple sites with the same code, the provider recognizes you and tracks your browsing habits. These _tracking cookies_ map your online behavior and sell that profile for targeted advertising. That’s why you see the same ad on different platforms – someone is tracking you.

## The Real Content of a Cookie

Cookies do not contain malicious programs or perform automatic downloads. They are basically tiny databases. If you access your browser settings (Chrome: **Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies**; Firefox: **Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and Site Data**), you will see simple key-value pair structures:

- A timestamp of when it was created
- Another one when it expires
- Your user identifier
- Access permissions (common user or moderator)
- Authentication token

Nothing sophisticated at first glance. But when combined, these "nothings" create a detailed portrait of who you are, what you like, and how you behave online.

## The Invisible Cost of Convenience

Here begins the discomfort. First-party cookies make your life easier. But third-party cookies? They basically exist to collect data about you without your informed consent.

The European Union recognized this problem and created the **GDPR** (General Data Protection Regulation), forcing many websites to require explicit consent before using cookies. Even so, how many people actually read the privacy policy?

The risks are real:

- **Invisible tracking**: You never clicked the "share" button of the social network, but it still sent data about your activities to the platform.
- **Data sale**: The website collects your information and sells it to third parties who may use it maliciously.
- **Intrusive advertising**: That ad that follows you around the web? Someone is tracking your clicks, searches, and purchases.

## How to Protect Yourself

**The "Do Not Track" request is practically useless.** Many browsers send it by default, but it's like asking a thief not to steal your belongings – he can simply ignore it. In fact, many websites do exactly that.

A better strategy is to **disable third-party cookies in your browser settings**. You will lose some personalization, but you will drastically reduce data exposure. If a site blocks your access, you can always temporarily reactivate them.

Extensions like **Privacy Badger** and **Ghostery** offer additional layers of protection against trackers. They automatically block third-party codes injected into pages.

## The Balance

Cookies are not necessarily enemies. First-party cookies are a legitimate part of the modern online experience. The problem lies with third-party cookies, which exist mainly to profit from your personal data. The good news? You have tools to control this. Just know how they work and make informed decisions about what to accept – or reject.