In the digital age, cookies play a significant role in our online experience. These small pieces of data can have a big impact on how websites function, personalize content, and even deliver targeted advertisements. In this article, we will delve deep into the world of cookies, exploring what they are, how they are used, and the implications for your online privacy.
What Are Cookies?
When you visit a website, whether it’s a news portal, an e-commerce platform, or a social media site, your web browser stores small text files called cookies on your device. Cookies serve various purposes, from remembering your preferences to helping websites recognize you when you return.
Types of Cookies
- Strictly Necessary Cookies:
- These cookies are essential for a website’s basic functionality.
- They enable registered users to log in and perform account-related activities.
- They retain items in virtual shopping carts on e-commerce websites.
- Functionality Cookies:
- Functionality cookies store information like names, locations, and preferred languages.
- They enhance the user experience by personalizing content.
- Security Cookies:
- Security cookies are crucial for protecting your online accounts.
- They help identify potential security threats.
- Analytics and Performance Cookies:
- These cookies collect data on user interactions with websites.
- The information gathered is used to improve website functionality and understand user behavior.
- Advertising Cookies:
- Advertising cookies display relevant ads to users based on their browsing history.
- They track unique visitors, ad displays, and clicks.
- User profiles are created to deliver targeted ads.
- Third-Party/Embedded Content Cookies:
- Third-party cookies are set by external services like social media platforms or embedded content providers.
- These cookies may track your online activity, but the website owner often has limited control over them.
Where Cookies Are Placed
Cookies are deployed across various parts of websites and online services, including:
- The main website domains (e.g., automattic.com, wordpress.com)
- Administrative dashboards (e.g., Calypso, wp-admin)
- User-hosted sites
- Sites utilizing third-party plugins (e.g., Jetpack)
Examples of Cookies
To illustrate how cookies work, here are some examples:
- Advertising Cookies:
ads: Tracks whether a user has clicked an ad.lr_nw: Counts pageviews on a website and determines whether to display membership popups.wordpress_eli: Reduces the number of ads shown to repeat visitors.- Analytics and Performance Cookies:
__pdvt: Aids in debugging customer problems by logging Polldaddy Survey Data.ab: Used for A/B testing of new features.tk_ni/tk_ai/tk_qs: Collect data on how services are utilized to enhance the user experience.wp-affiliate-tracker: Remembers the affiliate ID referred to the current user.- Functionality Cookies:
_longreads_prod_new: Active when the user is logged in on Longreads.com.akm_mobile: Stores information when the user switches to the mobile site.Botdlang: Tracks the user’s preferred reading language.landingpage_currency: Defines the currency displayed in landing pages.Pd_dashboard: Records the last used folder in the poll daddy dashboard.- Security Cookies:
csrftoken: A Python/Ajax security cookie used on account.longreads.com.- Strictly Necessary Cookies:
country_code: Determines the need to display the cookie banner.sensitive_pixel_option: Remembers the visitor’s acceptance of the cookie banner.twostep_auth: Activated when two-factor authentication is required.wordpress_test_cookie: Checks if cookies are enabled for the appropriate user experience.
Understanding Third-Party Advertising
Many websites, including voicesforyes, display advertisements through third-party vendors. These vendors use cookies to collect information and personalize ads based on your online activity. Some of the partners involved in third-party advertising include Amazon, Appnexus, Bidswitch, Google (AdSense, Doubleclick, AdExchange “AdX”), OATH, Pubmatic, and Skimlinks.
Controlling Cookies
You have control over cookies through your browser’s settings or third-party plugins. However, disabling cookies may impact website functionality. To manage and delete cookies, visit aboutcookies.org. For interest-based advertising preferences, visit youronlinechoices.eu (EU) or optout.aboutads.info (US). On mobile devices, you can adjust ad tracking settings. To opt out of Google Analytics, use Google’s opt-out browser add-on.
Our Internal Analytics Tools
Voicesforyes uses internal analytics tools to monitor user activities on our websites. This includes tracking page views, link clicks, and other events. While we collect data to enhance our products and personalize your experience, you can opt out of our analytics program through your user settings.
Consent for Advertising Cookies
In the EU, you may encounter a “cookie banner” on our websites and dashboards. We do not allow ad partners to set cookies for targeted ads until you give consent. You can change your mind about accepting cookies, and we periodically display the banner.
Consent and Choices for Advertisements
In the EU, when visiting our users’ websites, you may see a “cookie banner.” Our ad program requires your consent before setting third-party advertising cookies. You can opt out of data collection by accessing a designated link.
Cookies are integral to the modern online experience, enhancing functionality and personalization. However, it’s essential to understand how they work and how they affect your online privacy. By being informed and managing your cookie preferences, you can enjoy a more tailored and secure internet experience. If you have any concerns or questions about our cookies, feel free to contact us through our Contact Us page.