Are Cookies Tracking You?

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

23 Apr 2008 05:58 AM

When surfing the Internet, are you worried about cookies tracking your every movement and reporting it back to the bad guys, or advertisers (also sometimes known as the bad guys)? How can something with such an innocuous name strike fear and annoyance into the heart of Internet users?

Cookies first appeared on the web to help websites keep track of certain data or preferences to help increase the load time of websites or to serve up appropriate content. Since that time, users have been cautious about cookies, or just plain angry that they are there. But does the average cookie really track all of your movements online?

The short answer is probably not.

Most cookies are used just to enhance the functionality of the websites you visit. In fact, you'll have a hard time navigating your favorite sites if you turn off your cookies. Amazon is one site that uses cookies very well. it keeps track of the books, movies, music and other products that you looked at last, and serves up suggestions on products that you might like. Cookies can also be used to keep track of whether or not you've entered a contest (when only one entry is allowed) or printed a coupon.

Most of the time, cookies are only concerned with a specific website, and they leave you alone when you surf elsewhere. I said most of the time, because there are some persistent cookies that will follow your movements in a limited degree.

DoubleClick is a web advertisement company that feeds you targeted ads. A DoubleClick cookie will track you from site to site for the purpose of checking to see if you are on other websites that feature DoubleClick ads. This tracking ensures that you won't see the same ad over and over again.

To disable cookies, go to your browser. Select the Tools or Preferences menu option.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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