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A text file left by a website on a
hard disk. Coockies record information about site visitors, especially
information that can be used to make life easier for users on subsequent
visits. When a visitor returns, the site retrieves the cookie and reads it
for password or login information, user-configured preferences
such as page layout, or credit-card numbers, for example. Advertisers and
webmasters make extensive use of cookies to track the behaviour of site
visitors, noting the sections and pages that they visit, keeping track of
dead-ends that force users to go back on themselves and watching their
response to banner advertising.
Sites that use cookies
generally claim that they are beneficial to users. But the mechanism by
which cookies work is subject to criticism because of its invisibility.
Unless told to do otherwise, browsers accept cookies and share
information without the user's awareness, raising concerns about security
and privacy. Many people argue that the storing and transmission of
browsing information is unethical, and fear that it may be sold to marketing
organisations or retailers. |
