Cookies are text files that websites use to store small amounts of data about users and their activities on the site. They improve the user experience, make websites more secure, and help websites to track user interactions.
Cookies collect various information, such as IP address, browser details, number of pages visited on a website, items in the shopping cart, search history, login information, and website preferences. Third-party cookies track users across websites, collecting data for personalized ad targeting based on browsing habits, increasing ad relevance and engagement.
Additionally, cookies can collect personal information such as name, email address, phone number, and user location. This data allows websites to create tailored user experiences by remembering their preferences and past interactions.
However, collecting personally identifiable information (PII) raises significant privacy concerns, prompting regulations like the GDPR to require user consent before deploying non-essential cookies.