Cookies are small text files that websites store in the visitor's browser. They are used to remember information about the user and their preferences.
How do cookies work?
When you visit a website, the server can send a cookie to your browser. The browser stores it and sends it back on subsequent visits to the same site. This allows the website to "remember" information about you.
What are cookies used for?
- Authentication – Keeping you logged in to a website
- Shopping basket – Remembering what is in your basket
- Preferences – Saving your settings (language, currency)
- Analytics – Measuring traffic and user behaviour
- Advertising – Enabling targeted advertising
Types of cookies by lifespan
- Session cookies – Exist only during the visit; deleted when the browser is closed
- Persistent cookies – Remain stored even after the browser is closed for a set period
Legal regulation of cookies
Under the GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive, you need the user's consent before storing cookies that are not strictly necessary for the website to function. Essential cookies (e.g. for authentication or the shopping basket) do not require consent.