Cookies & Cache
Cookies – Yum!
Let’s talk about cookies, but don’t worry, we’re not talking about the delicious kind you eat. When you visit a website, cookies are those little pieces of text that your web browser stores. They help our servers recognize your browser and give us insights into how you use our services.
Now, some browsers give you the option to turn off cookies. But here’s the thing: we recommend keeping them active. Why? They are used to remember your website configuration (e.g., language preferences), login details, and products added to the shopping cart, even after you leave the site. Still, because cookie data is widely used to collect certain pieces of information, it can also be used for advertising processes like behavioral profiling and retargeting.
Security & Privacy
There are strict data privacy regulations to protect users from having their personal data collected without consent. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) all require websites to get permission from users before collecting or using their personal information. Cookie policies are often available on websites as a way to comply with data privacy laws (see our 2023 privacy law update).
The Future
The future of third-party cookies is uncertain. What is a third-party cookie? They allow websites to track your online activity and collect data about you. The use of third-party cookies has come under scrutiny recently as user privacy concerns have grown.
They may be phased out by browsers or continue to exist in some form. After all, millions of internet users are now using ad blockers, which block cookies and other tracking technologies. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared for a cookie-less future.
Advertisers use third-party cookies to track people across the web. This allows them to show relevant ads and measure the effectiveness of their campaigns. Without cookies, advertisers would have a harder time showing relevant ads and measuring their success.
Some people believe third-party cookies should be phased out because they invade people’s privacy. Others argue that they are necessary for advertising to function effectively online. It’s still unclear what will happen with third-party cookies, but it’s important to be prepared for a cookie-less future.
Cache
In addition to cookies, another important aspect to consider when it comes to website performance and user experience is cache. Not cold, hard cash money! Cache refers to temporary storage that stores website data, such as images, HTML files, and scripts, on a user’s device. When you visit a website, your browser stores certain elements in its cache, allowing subsequent visits to the same website to load faster. Faster is better, right?
The purpose of cache is to minimize the need for your browser to fetch the same data repeatedly from the website’s server. By storing commonly accessed elements locally, your browser can quickly retrieve and display the website’s content, resulting in improved page loading times and a smoother browsing experience. Score!
However, it’s worth noting that cache can sometimes cause issues, especially when website updates are made. If a website’s files are modified but your browser continues to load the cached version, you may not see the most up-to-date content. In such cases, clearing your cache can help ensure you’re viewing the latest version of a website. We always recommend clearing your cache before checking on an edit our team handled.
To clear your cache, you can typically access the browser settings or preferences menu. Look for options related to browsing history, cookies, and cache, and follow the instructions to clear the cache for your specific browser. Keep in mind that clearing your cache will remove stored data for all websites, so you may need to re-enter login credentials or customize settings again after clearing the cache.
By understanding and managing cookies and cache, you can optimize your browsing experience. Cookies enable personalized features and functionalities, while cache speeds up website loading times. Together, they contribute to a more efficient and tailored web experience.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with cookies, cache, or any other web-related topic, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help you make the most out of your online journey. Happy browsing!
