Expert interview: Cookie settings – annoying but important
They are omnipresent on the Internet: cookies. Since 2018, every user must actively consent to its use before visiting a website. But what do cookies do? And what data do they collect? Tatjana Halm, lawyer at the Bavarian Consumer Center, answers the most important questions.
Ms. Halm, what are cookies actually?
Cookies are small data sets that are stored on your computer when you visit a website. If you visit the same website again after a while, it will recognize that you have already been there. So the website recognizes you. When it comes to cookies, a basic distinction is made between necessary and unnecessary cookies. Necessary cookies ensure the functionality of a website. In an online shop, for example, they remember the contents of the shopping cart. Non-essential cookies often come from third parties, such as advertisers, and track users' surfing behavior. They are actually not technically necessary.
Which data exactly is tracked?
This depends on the type of cookies. Tracking or advertising cookies, for example, are responsible for ensuring that every visitor to the website is shown personalized advertising. We see it as problematic that they often store user behavior for years. Third parties can then use all the data to create an accurate, individual profile of a person. Sensitive information such as user names and passwords, addresses or telephone numbers can also be stored without the user recognizing who has this data.
How can I control cookies?
It is best to manage the cookie settings in the respective internet browser. Here you can restrict tracking in advance. Consumers should not allow third-party cookies from the start. You can still surf the Internet without any problems. It is also important to let the browser automatically delete the cookies on a regular basis. Users can set this up in the settings. Cookie banners also regularly appear when you visit a website for the first time. In these windows you can specify specifically which personal data may be processed. You should take your time when making this individual selection and only agree to as few cookies as possible.
Source: Bavaria Consumer Center
Related to the topic: Information about you and data about you that you have no control over
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