Cookies (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Computer Science) : Revision Note

Cookies

What is a cookie?

• A cookie is a tiny data file stored on a computer by browser software that holds information relating to your browsing activity

• Typically a cookie will contain:

  • Browsing history - what websites you have visited

  • Login information - usernames & passwords

  • Preferences - language/font size/themes

• The two types of cookie are:

  • Session - Created and replaced every time a user visits a website

  • Persistent - Created and saved the first time a user visits a website, retained until they expire

What is the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (2003)?

• The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (2003) is a law that governs the use of cookies

• Any website that wants to store a cookie must:

  • Tell users the cookies are there

  • Explain what the cookies are doing

  • Obtain users consent to store the cookie