What are cookies and how do they work?

A cookie is a small text file that a web browser can store on your computer to remember information between pages.

What cookies are (and aren’t)

  • Cookies are not programs — they can’t contain viruses or harmful software

  • They’re simply strings of text and numbers that help websites work more smoothly

Types of cookies

  • Session cookies – Temporary cookies that last only for a single visit. They’re removed automatically when you close your browser.

  • Persistent cookies – Stored even after you close your browser. When you return to the same website, the site can read the stored cookie to remember preferences. Persistent cookies have an expiry date, which can range from minutes to years, depending on your browser settings.

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