Legal Aspects of Cookie Tracking
A discussion of cookies’ functions and practical use in tracking activities of users would not be complete without an understanding of legal perspectives associated with their utilization.
Some of the rules and policies that apply to the use of cookies, particularly tracking cookies are provided for under laws meant to protect the privacy of users.
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): In the European Union particularly, the GDPR has provisions that demand that a website should not place cookies on any user’s browser without his or her consent for cookies that are not necessary for the proper functioning of the site such as the tracking cookies.
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): CCPA act of United States: CCPA act grants California residents the right to know what personal data is being collected and the right to opt-out from the sale of their personal information.
- ePrivacy Directive (EU Cookie Law): This directive requires every website to provide information about the deployment of cookies and seek prior permission from the user to install cookies on the device.
What are Tracking Cookies and How to Block Them?
A Tracking Cookie is an HTTP cookie implemented to attain data on an individual’s usage. These track user activity across multiple sites through tracking cookies as opposed to improving the shopping cart, login information, and other content that is rendered on a website through actual cookies. Next with the help of this data, the companies can use it for advertising, product recommendations, and evaluations.