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Why Businesses Should Be Prepared for a Cookie-Free Future

Picture of Tom Boulton

Tom Boulton

Founder

The internet is increasingly becoming a more hostile environment for users. With data breaches and privacy concerns on the rise, it’s no wonder that people are becoming more cautious about how they browse the web. One of the ways that companies have been able to track users online is by using third-party cookies. These cookies are placed on users’ devices by advertisers and other third-party companies to track their online activity.

However, it looks like third-party cookies may soon be a thing. Google has announced that it is working with Mozilla and Apple to phase out third-party cookies within their web browsers by 2022 or 2023. This is a big move that could help to make the internet a safer and more private place for users.

It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean that all cookies will be gone. First-party cookies, which are placed by the website you’re visiting, will still be allowed. However, third-party cookies will be blocked. This will make it more difficult for advertisers and other companies to track users across the web.

What Are Cookies

Cookies are text files stored on a user’s computer by a web browser. They are used to remember information about the user, such as their preferences and settings.

Cookies can be used by businesses to track the online behaviour of users and to target advertising to them. They can also be used to store information about the user’s session, such as their login details. Cookies can be set by the website itself or by third-party services that the website uses.

What Are Third-Party Cookies

Third-party cookies are small pieces of data sent from a website to a user’s web browser and stored on the user’s computer. These cookies track the user’s online activity and allow advertisers to target ads to the user based on their web browsing history. For example, if you see an advert on a website, the company that created the advert may also store a cookie on your device.

What Will Happen to Third-Party Cookies

The European Union and the United States have been at the forefront of regulating online privacy, with a particular focus on third-party cookies.

In May 2018, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect, introducing strict new rules surrounding using cookies and other tracking technologies.

Under GDPR, all websites that send cookies to EU citizens must obtain their explicit consent before doing so. This has led to the widespread use of cookie banners and consent forms, as well as other methods of obtaining consent, such as “implied consent” (i.e. assuming consent if the user takes a specific action such as clicking on a button).

Looking ahead to the next year, it’s likely that GDPR and the related issue of cookies will continue to have a major impact on the online landscape. The European Commission could issue new guidelines or rules that businesses must follow, or it could take enforcement action against companies that violate the existing rules. Facebook, which has been embroiled in a number of privacy scandals in recent years, is one company that is likely to be under scrutiny from regulators.

So, what does this all mean for businesses?

This will have a major impact on the way businesses use cookies, as they will no longer be able to rely on implicit consent. They will need to obtain explicit consent from users before setting or accessing cookies, which may be difficult to do in some cases.

In addition, GDPR requires businesses to provide users with clear and concise information about their rights and how their data will be used. This includes the right to access, rectify, delete, or object to the processing of their data.

Ultimately, compliance with GDPR is not optional—it’s a legal requirement. But by taking the necessary steps to obtain consent and protect user data, you can also build trust with your users and create a better experience for everyone.

Conclusion

Whatever changes occur, one thing is for sure: cookies will continue to play a major role in the online world, and how they are used and regulated will significantly impact businesses and consumers alike.

Are you in need of a new website or some help with your current one? If so, you should check out Flip Marketing. We are a web designer on Sunshine Coast that can help you with everything from designing a new website to placing cookie policies. We have a lot of experience, and we will be able to help you get the results that you are looking for. Let us be your one-stop shop for all your web design and digital marketing needs. Contact us today to get started!