{"id":10960,"date":"2023-05-30T12:42:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-30T10:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/?p=10960"},"modified":"2023-06-20T14:03:30","modified_gmt":"2023-06-20T12:03:30","slug":"what-are-cookies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/what-are-cookies\/","title":{"rendered":"What are internet cookies and what do they do?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Cookies on the internet. What are they, what do they do, how do they work and ... are cookies dangerous? We are happy to enlighten you. One thing we can already tell you: they are not for eating. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-table-of-contents uagb-toc__align-left uagb-toc__columns-1  uagb-block-dfa604ff     \"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-scroll= \"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-offset= \"30\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t><\/p>\n<div class=\"uagb-toc__wrap\">\n<div class=\"uagb-toc__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Table of content<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 384 512\"><path d=\"M192 384c-8.188 0-16.38-3.125-22.62-9.375l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.75 0-45.25s32.75-12.5 45.25 0L192 306.8l137.4-137.4c12.5-12.5 32.75-12.5 45.25 0s12.5 32.75 0 45.25l-160 160C208.4 380.9 200.2 384 192 384z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"uagb-toc__list-wrap\">\n<ol class=\"uagb-toc__list\">\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#how-did-the-cookie-get-its-name\">How did the cookie get its name?<\/a><\/li>\n<ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\">\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#swapping-cookies\">Swapping cookies<\/a><\/li>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#why-cookies-are-important\">Why cookies are important<\/a><\/li>\n<ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\">\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#advantages-and-disadvantages-of-cookies\">Advantages and disadvantages of cookies<\/a><\/li>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#different-types-of-cookies\">Different types of cookies<\/a><\/li>\n<ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\">\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#these-are-common-cookies\">These are common cookies:<\/a><\/li>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#what-do-cookies-do\">What do cookies do?<\/a><\/li>\n<ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\">\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#collecting-online-information\">Collecting online information<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#getting-that-personalized-advertising-flyer\">Getting that personalized advertising flyer<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#gdpr-cookies\">GDPR &amp; Cookies<\/a><\/li>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#cookie-policy-on-your-website\">Cookie policy on your website<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#cookie-banner-on-your-website\">Cookie banner on your website<\/a><\/li>\n<ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\">\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#does-your-website-already-comply-with-strict-cookie-rules\">Does your website already comply with strict cookie rules?<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#your-own-fully-customizable-cookie-banner-using-iubenda\">Your own fully customizable cookie banner using iubenda<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#find-out-exactly-why-you-should-choose-iubendas-compliance-tool\">Find out exactly why you should choose iubenda&#039;s compliance tool:<\/a><\/li>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#what-happens-if-i-accept-cookies\">&quot;What happens if I accept cookies?&quot;<\/a><\/li>\n<ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\">\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#cookies-on-social-media\">Cookies on social media<\/a><\/li>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#whether-cookies-are-dangerous\">Whether cookies are dangerous<\/a><\/li>\n<ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\">\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions-about-cookies-internet\">Frequently asked questions about cookies (internet)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How did the cookie get its name?<\/h2>\n<p>Admittedly: in Internet terms, it feels a little odd to talk about a single cookie. We usually talk about the plural, cookies. Still, it's interesting to discover how \"the cookie\" got its name. After all, there is an interesting story behind it!<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Swapping cookies<\/h3>\n<p>One Lou Montulli came up with 'internet cookies' in the early 1990s. As a programmer at Netscape, he developed a way to store information on a user's PC.<\/p>\n<p>For that, he relied on the idea of \"magic cookies.\" This was a term that was already well established in the programming world at the time. Montulli compared his method to <strong>exchanging a cookie between server and internet user.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Since the introduction of cookies, they have become widespread and are used by almost all websites to store information and remember what a user is doing on a website. Most browsers support cookies (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari ...). In this way, cookies play an important role in personalizing the web experience, remembering login information and tracking user activity.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why cookies are important<\/h2>\n<p>Opinions vary on the importance of cookies. The importance is mainly related to your browsing experience on the world wide web. And that is precisely what brings up opponents of cookies.<\/p>\n<p>It can feel oppressive to know that third parties are collecting and perhaps processing data without the user's consent. This feeling is reinforced when people don't know how to protect their online privacy.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantages and disadvantages of cookies<\/h3>\n<p>It is quite true that cookies have advantages and disadvantages. Both for those who have a website and those who surf to it on the internet.<\/p>\n<p>As the owner of a website, you can improve the functionalities of your site, analyze the surfing behavior of your users and eventually launch targeted marketing campaigns and advertisements. Without cookies, it is much more difficult to make those <strong>optimizations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>On the user side, cookies make the use of websites easier and more efficient. Convenience and personalization is therefore an important aspect of cookies. That shopping basket that is always filled, finding those last viewed items ... Cookies also increase the overall user experience of a site or online shop. Because thanks to personalization, you can navigate more conveniently on an application.<\/p>\n<p>That personalization may be an essential part of cookies, but that's what makes them controversial. Because by no means everyone wants to receive personalized advertising. Following someone on social media? Yes. Being (secretly) followed for marketing purposes? Rather not. \ud83d\ude09 Although those advertising messages also have advantages: you find what you are looking for faster and score interesting discounts.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cookies-types.jpg\" alt=\"cookies-types\" class=\"wp-image-10961\" width=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cookies-types.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cookies-types-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cookies-types-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cookies-types-768x549.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption>Do you know what an analytical cookie or a functional cookie is?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Different types of cookies<\/h2>\n<p>Cookies for everyone? Well, as each website has different and distinct purposes and functions, there are different types of cookies. Each type of cookie can collect<strong> specific information<\/strong>. This ranges from improving the user experience to showing personalized ads.<\/p>\n<p>By using different types of cookies, your organization can better tailor your website(s) to what your visitors want. But it also benefits your business goals. With certain cookies, you can find out in detail what your potential clients are looking for.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">These are common cookies:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Strictly necessary cookies<\/li>\n<li>Performance cookies<\/li>\n<li>Functionality cookies<\/li>\n<li>Session cookies<\/li>\n<li>Analytical cookies<\/li>\n<li>Targeting or advertising cookies<\/li>\n<li>Third-party cookies<\/li>\n<li>Social media cookies<\/li>\n<li>Persistent cookies<\/li>\n<li>Affiliate cookies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-inline-notice uagb-inline_notice__align-left uagb-block-5e3fea33 uagb-inline_notice__outer-wrap\">\n<p class=\"uagb-notice-title\">Tip<\/p>\n<div class=\"uagb-notice-text\">\n<p>Want to know exactly how these different cookies work? Then<a href=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/types-of-cookies\/\"> read our blog post where we take a closer look at the types of cookies out there.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What do cookies do?<\/h2>\n<p>When someone visits a website, the site places <strong>small text files<\/strong> called cookies on the device (laptop, smartphone ...). Those cookies contain information that your website can read when your user returns to the same website.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"has-blue-faded-background-color has-background\"><strong>What do cookies do for you? This example explains.<\/strong><br \/>For example, take a shopping cart on a webshop. When someone adds stuff to the shopping cart, this information is stored in a cookie on your customer's device. The next time your customer visits your website, the website can read the cookie and restore the shopping cart, so your user doesn't have to add the selected items again. This is an example of an essential cookie. Without it, the webshop will not work properly.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Collecting online information<\/h3>\n<p>Data stored via cookies can be read by the website and therefore also by you as the entrepreneur behind the site. That way, you can<strong> gather interesting information about your visitors.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Collecting this information is possible in various ways. For example, some data is provided by users themselves. Think of sharing an e-mail address to receive newsletters or filling out a form in which you reveal more about your preferences. Or say you run a webshop with clothing, your male customers can indicate that they want to see promotions for men's clothing on your homepage.<\/p>\n<p>Cookies can also collect information about online surfing behavior. In some cases, that goes pretty far. Tracking which pages your potential customers visit, how long they stay on a particular web page and which links they clicked on.<\/p>\n<p>With that data, you can make <strong>analyses<\/strong>. After all, it is logical that as a company you want to know who visits your webshop, which pages are popular ... But these cookies are also very interesting to show users personalized ads. Something not everyone is keen on.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting that personalized advertising flyer<\/h3>\n<p>Good to know: cookies are small text files that by default do not contain directly identifiable personal information (such as a name or address).<\/p>\n<p>But if surfers allow that particular website to link cookies to personal data or IP addresses entered, then your site does collect a lot of personal information. Some companies may even send personalized advertising flyers to interested customers.<\/p>\n<p>So it is important that users know what cookies a site uses and what information they can collect. After all, it is commonly known that citizens should watch over their privacy settings. In fact, they should manage their <strong>cookie preferences<\/strong> on a site-by-site basis. In an effort to gain control over their personal data.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large is-style-devplus-image-rounded-shadow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/accept-cookies-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"accept-cookies\" class=\"wp-image-10963\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/accept-cookies-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/accept-cookies-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/accept-cookies-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/accept-cookies.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>As a website owner, you must ask your users for permission to use cookies.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">GDPR &amp; Cookies<\/h3>\n<p>No, GDPR &amp; Cookies aren't a new band performing on the free stage at Rock Ternat. No, we are referring to what the <strong>General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) <\/strong>says about the use of cookies on the internet. \ud83d\ude00 Call it the cookie law. By the way, Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming (AVG) is the Dutch-language name of this law.<\/p>\n<p>Because with the GDPR law, the European Union wants to help their citizens watch over their personal data. This is because the EU is aware that cookies can have a certain impact on users' privacy. So you as a company have <strong>a responsibility to handle them carefully.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-inline-notice uagb-inline_notice__align-left uagb-block-98fa9c5b uagb-inline_notice__outer-wrap\">\n<p class=\"uagb-notice-title\">Also read<\/p>\n<div class=\"uagb-notice-text\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/what-is-gdpr\">What is GDPR? This blog post explains it.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p>The General Data Protection Regulation states that anyone who puts cookies on an application must be transparent about it. You do that by communicating the use, the reason why and the retention period of your cookies.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to being well informed, your customers must be able to <strong>give their consent <\/strong>for placing non-essential cookies on their device. These are non-strictly necessary cookies such as targeting or advertising cookies. For the placement of essential cookies (<strong>first-party cookies<\/strong>) you do not need explicit consent.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, users must always be given the chance to refuse cookies and\/or manage their cookie settings. This is an essential part of European privacy law.<\/p>\n<p>If you flout these rules, you risk high fines or other severe penalties. To give you an idea: GDPR fines in Belgium average up to 25,000 euros. They all have to do with violation of the General Data Protection Regulation.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cookie policy on your website<\/h2>\n<p>Informing users, allowing them to consent, adjusting cookie settings ... Work to do if you have your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/build-your-website\">own website<\/a>. Make the use of cookies part of your privacy policy. You are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/privacy-policy-website\/\">required to develop a privacy policy <\/a>anyway. Then you better include cookies in it.<\/p>\n<p>You can also create a separate cookie policy that communicates how and why your website contains cookies. Anyone looking for an example of a cookie policy can take a peek at the drafted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dataprotectionauthority.be\/cookie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cookie policy of the <strong>Belgian Data Protection Authority<\/strong> (DPA)<\/a>. The DPA oversees GDPR in Belgium. As one of Europe's privacy regulators, they will know, no? \ud83d\ude09 The Personal Data Authority is its Dutch counterpart, by the way.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-privacy-policy.png\" alt=\"iubenda-privacy-policy\" class=\"wp-image-10800\" width=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-privacy-policy.png 1400w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-privacy-policy-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-privacy-policy-1024x731.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-privacy-policy-768x549.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cookie banner on your website<\/h2>\n<p>You can be transparent about how cookies work with a cookie policy or your privacy statement. But what about <strong>mandatory consent<\/strong>? You can collect it in various ways. A pop-up, having mandatory preferences checked ...<\/p>\n<p>The most common method is to integrate a cookie banner. With that banner, you can make users give their consent or not and direct them to the cookie settings and to your policy.<\/p>\n<p>It's the way to give users control over their personal data. Just make sure the banner appears even before your website sets non-essential cookies. Otherwise, it's all a waste of time.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does your website already comply with strict cookie rules?<\/h3>\n<p>Take our <strong>free test<\/strong> and find out right away. Enter your domain name and get your results immediately.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-scan-1.png\" alt=\"The iubenda logo on the left, a website in the middle and a magnifying glass to its right. The iubenda scan checks whether your website complies with the law.\" class=\"wp-image-10803\" width=\"600\" title=\"iubenda scan: check if your website is compliant with the law\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-scan-1.png 1400w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-scan-1-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-scan-1-1024x731.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-scan-1-768x549.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card shadow border-0 bg-teal p-4 my-3\">\n<form action=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/iubenda-scan\" method=\"get\" novalidate=\"novalidate\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-lg-8\">\n<div class=\"input-group\"><input class=\"form-control form-control-lg rounded js-search-input\" spellcheck=\"false\" autocomplete=\"off\" name=\"url\" placeholder=\"Enter your domain name. For example: website.eu\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-lg-4 mt-2 mt-lg-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-lg btn-primary btn-block rounded\" type=\"submit\">Scan your website<\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your own fully customizable cookie banner using iubenda<\/h3>\n<p>Exploring your options for adding that cookie banner to your site or shop? Then you should know that you can figure everything out yourself, outsource to specialized firms and lawyers or ... use compliance software that creates the documents and tools for you.<\/p>\n<p>iubenda, part of the same hosting group as Combell, is a good example of this. Not only nice, but above all practical and budget-friendly! With iubenda, you can generate a fully customizable cookie banner yourself.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-cookiebanner.png\" alt=\"iubenda-cookiebanner\" class=\"wp-image-10802\" width=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-cookiebanner.png 1400w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-cookiebanner-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-cookiebanner-1024x731.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/iubenda-cookiebanner-768x549.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption>Before setting a cookie, you must ask permission for it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p>This is how you effortlessly collect and store consent from your users. The consent is immediately linked to your tracking tools. This is mandatory if you use tools like <strong>Google Analytics <\/strong>on your website.<\/p>\n<p>You can even format the banner in your own style. This way it matches the design of your site. In addition, you can create your own cookie policy in no time. Including updates when laws change. So you can always be sure that your website complies with all the conditions around privacy and cookies.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find out exactly why you should choose iubenda's compliance tool:<\/h3>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list uagb-block-4dc966ba\">\n<div class=\"uagb-icon-list__wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-a07356c8\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M256 0C114.6 0 0 114.6 0 256c0 141.4 114.6 256 256 256s256-114.6 256-256C512 114.6 397.4 0 256 0zM406.6 278.6l-103.1 103.1c-12.5 12.5-32.75 12.5-45.25 0s-12.5-32.75 0-45.25L306.8 288H128C110.3 288 96 273.7 96 256s14.31-32 32-32h178.8l-49.38-49.38c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.75 0-45.25s32.75-12.5 45.25 0l103.1 103.1C414.6 241.3 416 251.1 416 256C416 260.9 414.6 270.7 406.6 278.6z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\"><strong>100% personalized.<\/strong> Everything is customized to your website or app. Doesn't matter if you are a large or small company.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-00b49e18\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M256 0C114.6 0 0 114.6 0 256c0 141.4 114.6 256 256 256s256-114.6 256-256C512 114.6 397.4 0 256 0zM406.6 278.6l-103.1 103.1c-12.5 12.5-32.75 12.5-45.25 0s-12.5-32.75 0-45.25L306.8 288H128C110.3 288 96 273.7 96 256s14.31-32 32-32h178.8l-49.38-49.38c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.75 0-45.25s32.75-12.5 45.25 0l103.1 103.1C414.6 241.3 416 251.1 416 256C416 260.9 414.6 270.7 406.6 278.6z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\"><strong>Very user-friendly.<\/strong> With iubenda you get all the necessary documents and a cookie banner in your style in just a few clicks.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-1b7f0e28\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M256 0C114.6 0 0 114.6 0 256c0 141.4 114.6 256 256 256s256-114.6 256-256C512 114.6 397.4 0 256 0zM406.6 278.6l-103.1 103.1c-12.5 12.5-32.75 12.5-45.25 0s-12.5-32.75 0-45.25L306.8 288H128C110.3 288 96 273.7 96 256s14.31-32 32-32h178.8l-49.38-49.38c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.75 0-45.25s32.75-12.5 45.25 0l103.1 103.1C414.6 241.3 416 251.1 416 256C416 260.9 414.6 270.7 406.6 278.6z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\"><strong>Keep your customers' consent. <\/strong>Whenever you ask for customer data in a form, you need their permission and you need to store it. Iubenda does this for you. So you know from each customer, prospect, contact ... where and when they gave permission.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-816c5f39\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M256 0C114.6 0 0 114.6 0 256c0 141.4 114.6 256 256 256s256-114.6 256-256C512 114.6 397.4 0 256 0zM406.6 278.6l-103.1 103.1c-12.5 12.5-32.75 12.5-45.25 0s-12.5-32.75 0-45.25L306.8 288H128C110.3 288 96 273.7 96 256s14.31-32 32-32h178.8l-49.38-49.38c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.75 0-45.25s32.75-12.5 45.25 0l103.1 103.1C414.6 241.3 416 251.1 416 256C416 260.9 414.6 270.7 406.6 278.6z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\"><strong>Always in accordance with the law.<\/strong> If the law changes, iubenda automatically provides the necessary updates.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-29eb0604\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M256 0C114.6 0 0 114.6 0 256c0 141.4 114.6 256 256 256s256-114.6 256-256C512 114.6 397.4 0 256 0zM406.6 278.6l-103.1 103.1c-12.5 12.5-32.75 12.5-45.25 0s-12.5-32.75 0-45.25L306.8 288H128C110.3 288 96 273.7 96 256s14.31-32 32-32h178.8l-49.38-49.38c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.75 0-45.25s32.75-12.5 45.25 0l103.1 103.1C414.6 241.3 416 251.1 416 256C416 260.9 414.6 270.7 406.6 278.6z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\"><strong>Drafted by lawyers.<\/strong> All your documents are drafted and kept up-to-date by international experts.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-iconic-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/iubenda-compliance-manager\">Create your cookie banner with iubenda<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cookies-tracking.jpg\" alt=\"cookies-tracking\" class=\"wp-image-10965\" width=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cookies-tracking.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cookies-tracking-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cookies-tracking-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cookies-tracking-768x549.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption>A cookie stores data that allows the website owner to track your browsing habits.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\"What happens if I accept cookies?\"<\/h2>\n<p>A question Internet users ask themselves from time to time. Just like <strong>\"Can you be tracked by cookies?\"<\/strong> Maybe you ask yourself that question from time to time, too. Entrepreneur or not, sooner or later we all have to deal with cookies.<\/p>\n<p>It is true that if a user accepts cookies, they will be tracked by (certain) cookies. Although, of course, there are <strong>conditions and limits<\/strong> to this. Once the person in question accepts non-essential cookies, your site may collect and store certain info. Through functional cookies, your site will remember, for example, users' language settings, login information or other preferences.<\/p>\n<p>If your website uses an<strong> advertising cookie<\/strong>, then the user also gives permission to track browsing behavior. It is such cookies that allow potential customers to see targeted ads or promotions.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cookies on social media<\/h3>\n<p>Just check that out on Instagram, for example. If you accepted tracking cookies and\/or third-party cookies there, the app will track your browsing behavior and interests. If you searched for vacation destinations and hotels just then, you will suddenly be shown <strong>personalized ads<\/strong> (airline tickets, hotel deals ...) based on your search behavior.<\/p>\n<p>Because Instagram has been able to collect that info thanks to the various cookies. Showing such advertising is an important revenue model of \"free\" social media platforms.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Whether cookies are dangerous<\/h2>\n<p>Is it dangerous to accept cookies? In that we can reassure you: no, accepting cookies is not dangerous. They cannot spread viruses or cause direct damage to your computer. But as you've already noticed, cookies can have a big impact on your customers' online privacy. There has been more and more awareness around that in recent years.<\/p>\n<p>So customers will be cautious about accepting cookies. You as a website owner must therefore do everything possible to draw up a clear cookie policy and put a correct cookie banner online.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-2 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-yellow-background-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/iubenda-compliance-manager\">Generate your cookie banner now with iubenda<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions about cookies (internet)<\/h3>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-312e2753 uagb-faq-icon-row uagb-faq-layout-accordion uagb-faq-expand-first-false uagb-faq-inactive-other-true uagb-faq__wrap uagb-buttons-layout-wrap uagb-faq-equal-height uagb-faq-expand-first-true\" data-faqtoggle=\"true\" role=\"tablist\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/what-are-cookies\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do you need cookies?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Users need essential cookies to access a website efficiently. Non-essential cookies are not necessary. They give you a more personal customized experience, such as personalized advertising. Cookies allow companies to improve website functionalities, analyze website surfing behavior and launch targeted marketing campaigns and advertisements. Such optimizations are much more difficult if you don't use cookies.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which cookies must you accept at least?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A website owner does not need explicit permission to place essential cookies. If you do not give permission for this anyway, there is a chance that the website will not work properly.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which cookies must you accept at least?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A website owner does not need explicit permission to place essential cookies. If you do not give permission for this anyway, there is a chance that the website will not work properly.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which cookies to accept?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Internet users have a choice about which cookies they want to accept. There are different types of cookies, each with its own function or purpose. As soon as you as a company use non-essential cookies, you need the consent of the user in question.\"}}]}<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-a0211e70\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\"><span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"uagb-question\">Do you need cookies?<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"uagb-faq-content\">Users need essential cookies to access a website efficiently. Non-essential cookies are not necessary. They give you a more personal customized experience, such as personalized advertising. Cookies allow companies to improve website functionalities, analyze website surfing behavior and launch targeted marketing campaigns and advertisements. Such optimizations are much more difficult if you don't use cookies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-57ab8399\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\"><span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"uagb-question\">Which cookies must you accept at least?<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"uagb-faq-content\">A website owner does not need explicit permission to place essential cookies. If you do not give permission for this anyway, there is a chance that the website will not work properly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-a19f28e0\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\"><span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"uagb-question\">Which cookies must you accept at least?<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"uagb-faq-content\">A website owner does not need explicit permission to place essential cookies. If you do not give permission for this anyway, there is a chance that the website will not work properly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-e8b2b5a9\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\"><span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"uagb-question\">Which cookies to accept?<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"uagb-faq-content\">Internet users have a choice about which cookies they want to accept. There are different types of cookies, each with its own function or purpose. As soon as you as a company use non-essential cookies, you need the consent of the user in question.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cookies on the internet. What are they, how do they work and ... are they dangerous? We can already tell you this: they are not for eating.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10966,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[62],"tags":[1252,172],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/What-are-internet-cookies.jpg",1200,420,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/What-are-internet-cookies-50x50.jpg",50,50,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/What-are-internet-cookies-300x105.jpg",300,105,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/What-are-internet-cookies-768x269.jpg",768,269,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/What-are-internet-cookies-1024x358.jpg",1024,358,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/What-are-internet-cookies.jpg",1200,420,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/What-are-internet-cookies.jpg",1200,420,false],"post-featured":["https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/What-are-internet-cookies-850x290.jpg",850,290,true],"post-featured-opt":["https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/What-are-internet-cookies-750x256.jpg",750,256,true],"post-featured-opt-md":["https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/What-are-internet-cookies-850x290.jpg",850,290,true],"post-featured-opt-sm":["https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/What-are-internet-cookies-485x165.jpg",485,165,true],"post-featured-opt-xs":["https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/What-are-internet-cookies-375x128.jpg",375,128,true],"post-most-popular":["https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/What-are-internet-cookies-50x50.jpg",50,50,true],"post-author":["https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/What-are-internet-cookies-60x60.jpg",60,60,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Combell","author_link":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/author\/blogadmin\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Cookies on the internet. What are they, how do they work and ... are they dangerous? We can already tell you this: they are not for eating.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10960"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10960"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10960\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10994,"href":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10960\/revisions\/10994"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10966"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10960"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10960"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10960"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}