What are Cookies?

Cookies are data packets that computers send back and forth without altering or changing the data. They are also known as web cookies, an Internet cookie, a browser cookie, or an HTTP cookie. They consist of information sent to your computer when you visit a website.

Your computer stores that information in a file within your browser.

By and large, cookies are used to:

Help website visitors complete tasks, such as filling out forms (autocomplete, etc.) on the site without having to re-enter the information if the user visits the site again later

Remember a visitor's preferences

Recognize the visitor's device

Although cookies are usually meant to provide website visitors with a better user experience, they can also track users and their browsing habits across multiple sites. That information can then be used by marketers (and others) to create behavioral profiles that are then used to find out what advertisements or other online content the user has viewed.