While tracking cookies raise some privacy concerns, we wouldn't call them spyware, because unlike spyware, they don't operate secretively, damage your computer, or are hard to stop. In fact, you can stop tracking by deleting these cookies or disabling third-party cookies in your browser.
Google Chrome (Mobile)
Access the menu via the ellipsis menu in the lower-right (iOS) or upper-right (Android), and select Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data. Check off the section for cookies and tap Clear Browsing Data (iOS) or Clear Data (Android).
If you're using a public computer, you should delete them and other data, such as browsing history, right after your session. If it's your personal device, it's a good idea to remove all cookies at least once a month to keep your device neat.
Tracking cookies are cookies that are either set on a user's web browser by the website they are on or by a third party. These cookies track the user's online behaviour i.e. collect their data, such as clicks, shopping preferences, device specifications, location, and search history.
Clear cache if you want to see a fresh version of the website, solve website loading issues, or free up space. Clear cookies if you want to remove search history on websites, e.g. Facebook,, protect your data on a shared device, and prevent tracking.
Cookies are a type of tracker.
More specifically, cookies are small data files generally stored on a user's computer/browser.
Hidden trackers can follow you around the Internet and watch much of what you do online, but there are simple tools you can use to help block them. Before I get into how to do that, let's look at what web trackers are, and how exactly they put your privacy at risk.
While there are many different types of cookies around the internet, their purpose is more or less the same – to track user data. Such cookies generally are called first-party cookies and, if a website wants to stay GDPR compliant, it only turns tracking on once the user gives its consent.
Tracking cookies won't damage your computer or other devices and won't place malware or adware on them. In that respect, they are safe.
Trackers collect data about how you interact with a site, such as the content you click on. They also enable functionality on some websites, such as comments sections, buttons to share articles to social media, and personalized ads. Some trackers collect data about you across multiple sites.
Performance. As the number of persistent cookies builds up on your computer, they can contribute to slow Internet performance. Deleting the cookies can lead to faster overall Internet access, but may also cause slower access to the sites you visit frequently.
Session cookies only last as long as your browser is open and are automatically deleted when a user closes the browser or exits the app. On the other hand, persistent cookies will continue to exist even after a browser or app is closed. They are used by websites to remember a user and their preferences on a website.
Hidden trackers on the Internet are pieces of software that allow websites to collect certain types of data about users who visit their sites.
In the Safari app on your Mac, choose Safari > Settings, then click Privacy. Select “Prevent cross-site tracking.” Unless you visit and interact with the third-party content provider as a first-party website, their cookies and website data are deleted.
They can track things like which websites you visit, how long you spend on them, the content you watch, the device you're using, and your geographic location.
Your browsing habits: Trackers keep records of what websites you visit, how long you visit for, and what you purchase. They may also record what ads you tend to click on; it all helps to build an advertising profile. Your IP address: Your IP address is a string of numbers assigned to your device as you browse online.
Go to your browser settings. If you use Chrome, click the three dots in the top right of your window and go to Settings. Scroll down and click on Cookies and other site data. Select one of the options available.
Yes, sometimes cookies can be used to identify an individual, but cookies themselves do not contain any personal information. Cookies contain a unique ID which is a random string of characters assigned to a user's web browser.
The term "cookie" was derived from an earlier programming term, "magic cookie," which was a packet of data programs that kept data unchanged even after being sent and received several times. Session cookies are also known as transient cookies or per-session cookies.
You're likely to collect more trackers the next time you use the internet, depending on which web browser you use and the privacy settings you've activated. Your two main concerns with trackers are your online privacy and the space these types of files can take up on your hard drive.
On your computer, open Chrome. Settings. Cookies and other site data. Turn Send a "Do not track" request with your browsing traffic on or off.
For instance, wrapping things like aluminum foil around the GPS receiver creates a Faraday Shield, which blocks the GPS signals. Similarly, wet trees and plastic or tin containers filled with thick materials can also scramble these signals. These signals will help you protect your GPS data.