How Cookies Spy on Your Internet History and Locations

Many of us have become increasingly aware of how cookies have become tools to provide data of our internet activities.

Cookies are becoming more than just a pain in the neck to us. They are providing legitimate ways for companies to spy on us.

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From using cookies to provide advertisements to suggesting websites, videos, products and even people we may know, cookies provide valuable information to businesses.

Whether they are first-party cookies or those pesky third-party cookies, the data only becomes more valuable if they are not deleted.

Cookies can boomerang to us and create a crumby internet experience (yes, I went there 😂)

Here is what you need to know about how to protect your data from cookies.

Cookies are small text files that websites store on a user’s device to remember information about the user, such as login credentials or website preferences. Cookies can also be used to track a user’s web history by recording which websites the user has visited and when.

This information can be used to serve targeted ads or personalize the user’s browsing experience. However, not all cookies are used for tracking and many websites offer options to control or delete cookies.

Cookies are small text files that websites store on a user’s device to remember information about the user, such as login credentials or website preferences.

However, cookies can also be used to track a user’s web history and location, which has become a topic of concern for many individuals in recent years. Let’s explore further how cookies track web history and location and the potential implications for privacy and security.

How Cookies Track Web History

When a user visits a website, the website may send a cookie to the user’s browser, which is stored on the user’s device such as mobile phones. The cookie contains information about the user’s interaction with the website, such as their login credentials or website preferences.

However, cookies can also be used to track a user’s web history by recording which websites the user has visited and when.

There are two main types of cookies that can be used to track web history: first-party cookies and third-party cookies.

First-party cookies are created by the website the user is visiting, while third-party cookies are created by a domain other than the one the user is visiting.

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Third-party cookies are commonly used by advertisers to track a user’s web history and serve targeted ads.

When a user visits a website, the website may send a third-party cookie to the user’s browser, which is stored on the user’s device. This cookie contains a unique identifier that allows the advertiser to track the user’s web history across different websites.

For example, if a user visits a clothing website and then visits a travel website, the advertiser may use the third-party cookie to track the user’s visit to both websites.

In addition to third-party cookies, there are other techniques that can be used to track a user’s web history.

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One such technique is known as fingerprinting, which involves collecting information about the user’s device, such as the browser type, operating system, and screen resolution.

This information can be used to create a unique “fingerprint” that can be used to track the user across different websites.

Another technique that can be used to track web history is known as supercookies. Supercookies are similar to regular cookies, but they are stored in different locations on the user’s device and are more difficult to detect and delete.

Supercookies can be used to track a user’s web history even if the user has deleted their regular cookies.

The Implications of Web History Tracking

The tracking of web history has become a topic of concern for many individuals due to the potential implications for privacy and security.

The tracking of web history can allow advertisers to serve targeted ads to users, which some users may find intrusive.

Additionally, the tracking of web history can allow third parties to collect sensitive information about a user, such as their health conditions or financial information.

The tracking of web history can also have implications for security. If a user visits a malicious website, the website may use cookies to track the user’s web history and collect sensitive information.

Additionally, if a user’s device is compromised, an attacker may be able to access the user’s cookies and use them to track the user’s web history.

To address these concerns, many web browsers offer options to control or delete cookies. For example, users can choose to block third-party cookies or delete cookies after a certain period of time.

Some browsers also offer private browsing modes, which do not store cookies or web history.

How Cookies Track Location

In addition to tracking web history, cookies can also be used to track a user’s location. Websites may use cookies to store information about the user’s location, such as their city or zip code.

This information can be used to serve location-specific content or ads to the user.

One technique that can be used to track a user’s location is known as IP address tracking.

An IP address is a unique identifier that is assigned to every device that connects to the internet. Websites can use a user’s IP address to determine their location, as IP addresses are typically assigned based on geographic location.

For example, if a user connects to the internet from a device in New York, their IP address may be assigned a location in New York.

Cookies can also be used to track a user’s location more accurately. Websites may use a technique known as geolocation to determine a user’s location based on their device’s GPS or Wi-Fi signal.

This information can be stored in a cookie and used to serve location-specific content or ads to the user.

The Implications of Location Tracking

The tracking of location can have implications for privacy and security, as it allows third parties to collect information about a user’s whereabouts.

For example, if a user’s location is tracked, an advertiser may be able to determine where the user lives or works, which could be used to serve targeted ads or gather sensitive information.

Additionally, the tracking of location can be used to infer other information about the user, such as their hobbies or interests.

For example, if a user visits a gym or a yoga studio, an advertiser may infer that the user is interested in fitness and serve them ads for fitness-related products or services.

The tracking of location can also have implications for security. If a user’s location is tracked, an attacker may be able to determine their whereabouts and use this information to carry out a physical attack or steal their device.

To address these concerns, many devices and apps offer options to control or disable location tracking. For example, users can choose to disable location services for specific apps or disable location tracking altogether.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cookies can be used to track a user’s web history and location, which has become a topic of concern for many individuals due to the potential implications for privacy and security.

The tracking of web history can allow third parties to collect sensitive information about a user, while the tracking of location can allow third parties to determine a user’s whereabouts and gather sensitive information.

To address these concerns, many web browsers, devices, and apps offer options to control or disable cookies, web history tracking, and location tracking.

However, it is important for users to be aware of these tracking techniques and take steps to protect their privacy and security when using the internet.