{"id":3775,"date":"2024-09-25T10:24:37","date_gmt":"2024-09-25T10:24:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/avacysolution.com\/?p=3775"},"modified":"2025-03-07T13:58:40","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T13:58:40","slug":"cosa-sono-i-cookie-e-quali-tipologie-esistono","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/avacysolution.com\/en\/blog\/gdpr\/what-are-cookies-and-what-types-exist\/","title":{"rendered":"What are cookies and what types exist"},"content":{"rendered":"

While browsing the internet, you've surely come across numerous banners<\/strong> asking you to accept cookies<\/strong> to proceed. And of course, we all rush to click, without really understanding what we're doing, just to be able to quickly download that pancake recipe we like so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That seemingly insignificant gesture can actually allow so-called cookies<\/strong> to follow our every action on that site and use the collected data for various purposes: from simple statistical or functional analysis<\/strong> to more serious intrusions into our privacy<\/strong>, such as continuously suggesting that \"pair of socks\" we decided not to buy while browsing other sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what exactly are these cookies? And why are they so important for your online experience? In this article, we'll explore the world of cookies, explaining what they are, the different types that exist, and how you can best manage them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are cookies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every time we browse the web, we leave \"footprints\": this information is saved on the device<\/strong> we're using for browsing (smartphone, PC, tablet, ...).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In simple terms, cookies are small text files<\/strong> that websites save on your device when you visit them. These files contain information that can be used to improve your browsing experience, such as remembering your preferences or keeping you logged in. In practice, cookies help websites \"remember\" you and your actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why are they called cookies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The story dates back to the 1980s, when UNIX systems used a technique called \"magic cookie<\/strong>\" to manage small amounts of data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the early days of the Internet, developers had to find a method to store small amounts of data on visitors' computers<\/strong>. This data could include authentication information, user preferences, or other details useful for personalizing the online experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A name was chosen that could evoke a sense of familiarity and comfort: \"cookie\". Digital cookies, just like biscuits, are fragments of data<\/strong> that websites store on users' devices<\/strong> to improve the browsing experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, just like a cookie leaves crumbs, digital cookies leave traces of our online actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the risks of accepting cookies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let's debunk a myth right away: technical cookies are not dangerous<\/strong>. In fact, their presence is essential<\/strong> for the functioning of a website. Without them, some site functionalities might not be available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are some types of cookies, called non-essential cookies<\/strong>, that allow the sharing of personal data. For example, if we visit a travel site, by accepting profiling cookies we are effectively agreeing to receive advertisements about offers and flights sponsored by the site we're browsing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be careful though, this doesn't mean that if we don't accept cookies<\/strong> we won't see any advertisements. On the contrary: even if we refuse cookies, we'll continue to receive advertising; simply, these ads won't be targeted to our interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So is it better to receive interesting offers for our next trip, aware that to get personalized ads we're giving our personal data to third parties, or to continue receiving irrelevant advertisements?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To understand exactly what happens when we accept cookies, it's good to first understand what types of cookies are present on websites and what their purposes are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of cookies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Technical cookies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Technical cookies<\/strong> are essential<\/strong> for the functioning of a website<\/strong>. Without them, many functionalities would not be possible. For example, technical cookies allow you to keep your session active while browsing or remember the items you've added to your cart in an online store. These cookies do not collect personal information<\/strong> and cannot be disabled without compromising the site's functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technical cookies do not require user consent<\/strong> and can be managed with a simple banner. An example of text could be: \"This site uses only technical cookies necessary for navigation. For further details on which cookies are used, consult the information at the following link.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Profiling cookies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Profiling cookies<\/strong> are used to create a profile of users and show them targeted content and advertisements based on their interests<\/strong>. These cookies collect information about your browsing habits and can be used to personalize your online experience. For example, if you often visit travel sites, you might see ads related to flights or hotels. Or, if you frequently visit an e-commerce site, you might see suggestions for products you might like, such as items related to those you've viewed or purchased previously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So when we read \"This site uses profiling cookies\" it means that, by accepting cookies, the site will use data about your online behavior to show you targeted content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For profiling cookies collected directly by the website, it is mandatory<\/strong> to obtain the user's consent<\/strong>. To this end, a phrase informing about the presence of such cookies must be inserted in the cookie banner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n