Computer Cookies

What is a Computer Cookie?
A computer cookie is a tiny text file that is saved to your hard drive by a website programme. This file contains information about your searches and behaviour on the website. It is saved without your consent or knowledge meaning you really have no computer privacy. Whenever you next visit the site, it identifies you by looking-up your cookie. This is how many sites are able to 'greet' you when you return, to remember your password, or to recommend products just for you.

Computer cookies are programmed to collect certain information about you. For Google, your cookie file could contain search terms, a unique identification number, and your IP address. It's designed to monitor your movements and report back to the host website.

What Are Computer Cookies Used For?
As they gather and record your information, computer cookies are creating a valuable record of your behaviour and your statistics. Online companies use them to carry out behavioural targeting.

Behavioural targeting is a method which enables companies to identify trends and predict your actions. When you, like thousands of others, were searching for driving directions using Google, the search engine giant identified a common need and quickly established 'Google Maps'. If enough of us were to boycott 'Google Maps', clicking on another direction provider, Google would probably recognise this trend and relegate Google Maps to a minor page.

What Should I Do About Computer Cookies?
When cookies were first introduced, nobody knew they were there, and nobody was able to stop them - no one realised they threatened computer privacy. But this soon changed when people in-the-know started to kick up a fuss, and eventually cookie controls were added to most browser programmes. Because cookies gather so much personal information, and particularly because you don't always know what that includes, we recommend taking action to protect yourself against cookies for your computer privacy. There are a few ways to fool the system - the first action is essential for anyone using the web