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Have you ever wondered why some
online ads you see are targeted to your tastes and
interests, or how websites remember your preferences
from visit to visit? The answer may be in the "cookies".
A cookie is information saved by
your web browser, the software program you use to visit
the web. Cookies can be used by companies that collect,
store and share bits of information about your online
activities to track your behavior across sites. Cookies
also can be used to customize your browsing experience,
or to deliver ads targeted to you.
Here are some answers to some
commonly asked questions about cookies-what they are,
what they do, and how you can control them.
Understanding Cookies
What is a cookie?
A cookie is information that a site
saves to your computer using your web browser. A cookie
allows sites to record your browsing activities-like
what pages and content you've looked at, when you
visited, what you searched for, and whether you clicked
on an ad. Data collected by cookies can be combined to
create a profile of your online activities.
Who places cookies on the web?
First-party cookies are placed by
a site when you visit it. They can make your experience
on the web more efficient. For example, they help sites
remember:
*items in your shopping cart
*your log-in name
*your preferences, like always showing
the weather in your home town
*your high game scores
Third-party cookies are placed by
someone other than the site you are on. These may
include an advertising network or a company that helps
deliver the ads you see. They may be used to deliver ads
tailored to your interest. For example, if you read an
article online about running, a cookie may be used to
note your interest in running, and add that to a
profile. And you may see coupons to save money on
running shoes.
Controlling Cookies
How can I control cookies?
Various browsers have different ways to
let you delete cookies or limit the kinds of cookies
that can be placed on your computer. When you choose
your browser, you may want to consider which suits your
privacy preferences best.
To check out the settings in a browser,
use the 'Help' tab or look under 'Tools' for settings
like 'Options' or 'Privacy'. From there, you may be able
to delete cookies, or control when they can be placed.
Some browsers allow add-on software tools to block,
delete, or control cookies. And security software often
includes options to make cookie control easier.
If you disable cookies entirely, you may
limit your browsing experience. For example, you may
need to enter information repeatedly, or you might not
get personalized content or ads that are meaningful to
you. However, most browsers' settings will allow
you to block third-party cookies without also disabling
first-party cookies.
Keep your browser up-to-date
No matter which browser you use, it's
important to keep it updated. An out-of-date browser can
leave your computer vulnerable to attack by malware,
which could intercept sensitive data like your log-ins,
passwords, or financial information. Most browsers
update automatically, or prompt you to update to the
latest version.
What are "opt-out" cookies?
Some websites and advertising networks
have cookies that tell them not to use
information about what sites you visit to target ads to
you.
There are a couple of ways to opt out of
certain types of data collection or certain kinds of
targeted advertising:
*You can download software-an "add-on"
to your browser- that controls whether and how
cookies-including opt-out cookies-are stored or deleted.
You can find add-ons on sites sponsored by the browser.
Look through the settings or "Help" function. Browser
companies review most add-ons for security and
functionality before making them available for download,
but as with any software, don't download an add-on
unless you have checked it out and trust the source.
*Programs from online advertising
industry, including The Network Advertising
Initiative and the Digital Advertising Alliance,
offers tools for opting out of targeted
advertising-often by placing opt-out cookies-offered by
their members. You also can opt out by visiting
advertising networks and advertiser websites one by one.
Deleting all your cookies will erase any
opt-out cookies you've downloaded. To restore opt-out
cookies, you will have to go through the opt-out
procedure again.
Cookies are used for many purposes- for
example, to limit the number of times you're shown a
particular ad. So even if you opt out of targeted
advertising, a company may still use cookies for other
purposes.
"Private Browsing"
What's "private browsing"?
Many browsers offer private browsing
setting that are meant to let you keep your web
activities hidden from other people who use the same
computer. With private browsing turned on, your browser
won't retain cookies, your browsing history, search
records, or the files you downloaded. Privacy modes
aren't uniform, though; it's a good idea to check your
browser to see what types of data it stores. Although it
won't keep cookies after the private browsing
session ends, cookies used during the private
browsing session can communicate information about your
browsing behavior to third parties.
Flash Cookies
What are Flash cookies?
A flash cookie is a small file stored on
your computer by a website that uses Adobe's Flash
player technology. Flash cookies use Adobe's Flash
player to store information about your online browsing
activities. Flash cookies can be used to replace cookies
used to replace cookies used for tracking and
advertising, because they also can store your settings
and preferences. When you delete or clear cookies from
your browser, you won't necessarily delete the Flash
cookies stored on your computer.
Can I control Flash cookies?
The latest versions of Google Chrome,
Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer let you
control or delete Flash cookies through the browser's
settings. If you use an older version of one of these
browsers, upgrade to the most recent version, and set it
to update automatically.
If you use a browser that doesn't
support deleting Flash cookies, look at Adobe's Website
Storage Settings panel. There, you can view and delete
Flash cookies, and control whether you'll allow them on
your computer.
Like regular cookies, deleting Flash
cookies gets rid of the ones on your computer at that
moment. Flash cookies can be placed on your computer the
next time you visit a website or view an ad unless you
block Flash cookies altogether.
New Technologies
Are there other tracking technologies
I should know about?
New technologies are constantly
emerging, and some can be used to track your online
activities even if you control regular cookies. These
are generally referred to as "supercookies". If
companies offer you an opt out, they need to respect
your preference, whether they use supercookies or
regular cookies.
What is " Do Not Track"?
Do not track is a tool that allows you
to express your preference not to be tracked across the
web. Turning on Do Not Track through your web browser
sends a signal to every website you visit that you don't
want to be tracked. Companies then know your preference.
If they have committed to respect your preference, they
are legally required to do so. Some browsers already
support Do Not Track. If you want to use Do Not Track,
check to see if the browser you use offers it- or use a
browser that does.
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