Cookie Policy.

 

Cookies are small data files that serve as anonymous unique identifiers. They are sent to your browser from the websites you visit and are stored on your computer’s hard drive.

We use these “cookies” to collect information and improve our Service. You have the option to accept or decline these cookies and can be alerted when a cookie is being sent to your computer.

Please be aware that refusing cookies may limit some functionalities of our Service.

Website banners asking for cookie consent are a common sight. But what exactly are cookies, and why are they important?

In essence, cookies are integral to modern web browsing. They enhance your online experience by allowing web developers to offer personalised and convenient visits.

Cookies, in short, help dispenseree remember your logins, shopping carts, and more.

What are Internet Cookies?

Cookies, also known as internet cookies, are text files containing small data snippets, such as a username and password.

They serve to identify your computer as you navigate a network. Specific cookies are designed to distinguish individual users and enhance their browsing experience.

These cookies are generated by the server when you connect. They bear a unique ID for you and your computer.

When the cookie is exchanged between your computer and the server, the server uses this ID to serve you specific information.

Due to global regulations like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and state laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), websites now require permission to use certain cookies with your browser.

They also provide information on how these cookies will be utilised if you agree.

Types of cookies: Magic and HTTP.

• Magic Cookies: This is an older term in computing, referring to data packets sent and received without alterations. It was commonly used for logging into computer database systems before the modern concept of cookies.
• HTTP Cookies: These are the contemporary version, designed for internet browsing. In 1994, web programmer Lou Montulli adapted the concept of magic cookies to create HTTP cookies. These are what we commonly refer to as cookies today. They can also be exploited by cybercriminals to spy on your online activity and potentially compromise your personal information.

How do HTTP cookies work?

HTTP cookies, or internet cookies, are tailored for web browsers to track, personalise, and save information about each user’s session. A “session” refers to the time you spend on a site.

Cookies are established to identify you when you visit a new website. The web server, where the website’s data is stored, sends a brief stream of identifying information to your browser in the form of cookies.

This identifying data (often referred to as “browser cookies”) is processed and read as “name-value” pairs. These pairs instruct the cookies on where to be sent and what data to retrieve.

Cookies are stored locally in your web browser, containing the “name-value pair” that identifies you.

When you return to the website, your browser sends back this cookie data to the website’s server, prompting it to retrieve your data from previous sessions.

Types of HTTP cookies: Session and persistent.

• Session Cookies: These are used only while navigating a website. They are stored in random access memory and aren’t written onto the hard drive. Session cookies are automatically deleted when the session ends.
• Persistent Cookies: These remain on a computer indefinitely, often with an expiration date. They are automatically removed when that date is reached. Persistent cookies serve two main purposes: authentication (for tracking if a user is logged in) and tracking (for monitoring visits over time).

First-Party vs. Third-Party cookies.

• First-Party Cookies: These are directly created by the website you’re using. They are generally safer, provided you’re browsing reputable and uncompromised websites.
• Third-Party Cookies: These are generated by websites different from the ones you’re currently browsing, usually linked to ads on that page. They allow advertisers or analytics companies to track your browsing history across the web. Many browsers are now phasing out third-party cookies due to data protection laws.

Enabling and removing cookies.

Enabling cookies can streamline your web experience. You can typically do this under Settings or Privacy in your browser. Unchecking boxes will disable cookies.

Removing cookies can mitigate privacy risks and reset tracking. Different browsers handle this differently, but it’s generally found in Settings or Privacy options.

In more severe cases, such as dealing with persistent tracking cookies or malicious types, consider seeking Premium Protection or using a virtual private network (VPN) for added anonymity.

In all cases, it’s wise to stay vigilant and clean up your cookies regularly. Your privacy is worth safeguarding.