How can I block cookies on browser?

Cookies play a pivotal role in enhancing user experience online. However, the evolving landscape of privacy regulations, such as GDPR, imposes a closer look at cookie compliance. Recognizing the significance of knowing how to block cookies, this blog provides a detailed exploration of cookie compliance, offering insights into why and how to block cookies, along with the tools and techniques available for effective management.

A cookie is a small piece of data that a website stores on a user’s computer or mobile device. Cookies are widely used to identify users, remember their preferences, track their browsing activity, and deliver personalized advertising.

Types of Cookies

There are two main types of cookies:

• Session cookies: These cookies are temporary and are erased when the user closes their browser. They are typically used to store user preferences and keep track of the user’s activity on a website during a single session.

• Persistent cookies: These cookies remain on the user’s device for a longer period of time, even after they close their browser. They are typically used to store user preferences across multiple sessions and to track user behavior over time.

Here are common types of information that cookies may record:

1. Session Information:
   • Cookies often store session information, such as your login status. They help keep you logged in as you navigate between pages on a website.
2. Preferences:
   • Cookies can remember your preferences, such as language settings, font size, and other customizable elements, to provide a more personalized browsing experience.
3. Tracking and Analytics:
   • Many cookies are used for tracking user behavior and website analytics. They record information about the pages you visit, the time spent on each page, and the links you click.
4. Authentication Data:
   • Cookies may store authentication data, enabling websites to recognize you as a logged-in user and grant you access to specific content or features.
5. Shopping Cart Information:
   • In e-commerce websites, cookies can store information about items you’ve added to your shopping cart, making it convenient for you to continue shopping without losing your selections.
6. Advertising and Targeting:
   • Advertising cookies track your online activity and preferences to deliver more targeted and relevant ads. This is commonly used for personalized advertising campaigns.
7. Security Purposes:
   • Cookies may be used for security purposes, such as detecting unusual login activity or preventing fraudulent actions on a website.
8. Site Performance:
   • Cookies can be utilized to collect data on how websites perform, helping website owners identify and address issues related to speed and functionality.

Cookies have raised concerns about user privacy, as they can be used to track users’ online activity and build detailed profiles of their interests. In response to these concerns, a number of regulations have been enacted, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union, which require websites to obtain user consent before storing cookies on their devices.

Remember that some cookies are Essential Cookies (also commonly referred to as “strictly necessary”) which are necessary for the website to function and store the preference settings selected by a user for this website. These cookies are only used to provide those essential services to the visitor. These cookies are not covered by the EU opt-in requirements or the CCPA opt-out-of-sale requirements, so they may remain on devices while they perform the essential functions. So, if you block all the cookies then the website may not function properly.

Most web browsers allow users to block or manage cookies. The specific steps on how to do this will vary depending on the browser. Below are steps you can follow for popular browsers such as Chrome, Edge.