What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on a user’s computer (or smartphone), which are commonly used to collect personal data. Most website operators place cookies on the browser or hard drive of their user’s computer. Cookies can gather information about the use of a website or enable the website to recognize the user as an existing customer when they return to the website at a later date. This file is neither a virus nor spyware. The law protects website users and lets them opt-out from the use of cookies on their website browser.

What are the benefits of cookies?

Cookies are used to make the user’s web experience faster, convenient and personalised. For example you can select a language to view a website the first time you visit it. When you visit the website again it will save your preference.

Types of cookies

Session cookies

[ Used In OB Configs ]

Session cookies, also known as ‘temporary cookies’, help websites recognise users and the information provided when they navigate through a website. Session cookies only retain information about a user’s activities for as long as they are on the website. Once the web browser is closed, the cookies are deleted. These are commonly used on shopping websites or e-commerce websites.

Permanent cookies

Permanent cookies, also known as ‘persistent cookies’, remain in operation even after the web browser has closed. For example they can remember login details and passwords so web users don’t need to re-enter them every time they use a site. The law states that permanent cookies must be deleted after 12 months.

Third-party cookies

Third-party cookies are installed by third-parties with the aim of collecting certain information from web users to carry out research into, for example, behaviour, demographics or spending habits. They are commonly used by advertisers who want to ensure that products and services are marketed towards the right target audience.

Flash cookies

Flash cookies, also known as ‘super cookies’, are independent from the web browser. They are designed to be permanently stored on a user’s computer. These types of cookies remain on a user’s device even after all cookies have been deleted from their web browser.

Zombie cookies

Zombie cookies are a type of flash cookie that are automatically re-created after a user has deleted them. This means they are difficult to detect or manage. They are often used in online games to prevent users from cheating, but have also been used to install malicious software onto a user’s device.