Internet browsers write and read cookies, files with small amounts of data (such as site passwords and settings) based on instructions from Web sites. In many cases, cookies provide a benefit to users. However, in some instances cookies are used to consolidate and track user behavior across different sites, which provide marketers with private information about an individual.
A Tracking Cookie is any cookie used for tracking users’ surfing habits. Tracking Cookies are a form of Tracking Technology. They are typically used by advertisers wishing to analyze and manage advertising data, but they may be used to profile and track user activity more closely. However, tracking cookies are simply a text file, and far more limited in capability than executable software installed on users’ computers. While installed software can potentially record any data or activity on a computer (see System Monitor), cookies are simply a record of visits or activity with a single Website or its affiliated sites.
Internet browsers write and read cookies, which are small text files with small amounts of data (such as web site settings) which are placed onto your computer by visiting certain web sites. In many cases, cookies provide a benefit to users as they can retain settings for when you next visit a web site. In some instances, however, cookies are used to consolidate and track your behaviour across different web sites, providing marketers with information about your web browsing habits.
Tracking cookies are used to consolidate and track your behavior across different web sites, providing third parties with information about your web browsing habits (see also 'malicious cookies').
Tracking cookies are one type of spyware. These are pieces of information that are generated by a web server and stored on your computer for future access. Cookies were originally implemented to allow you to customize your web experience, and continue to serve useful purpose in enabling a personalized web experience. However, some web sites now issue tracking cookies, which allow multiple web sites to store and access cookies that may contain personal information (including surfing habits, user names and passwords, areas of interest, etc.), and then simultaneously share the information it contains with other web sites. This sharing of information allows marketing firms to create a user profile based on your personal information and sell it to other firms. Tracking cookies are almost always installed and accessed without your knowledge or consent.
Tracking Cookies track your web browsing habits. They can collect information about pages and advertisements you have seen or any other activity during browsing. Different websites can share tracking cookies, and each website with the same tracking cookie can read the information and write new information into it.