Hi guys,

Have you ever wondered what tracking cookies are and whether they’re spyware? In this article, we’ll explain what tracking cookies are, how they operate, and whether they’re considered spyware. We’ll also provide step-by-step instructions on how to disable them if you’re uncomfortable with their monitoring.

Tracking cookies are small text files stored on a user’s computer by a website they visit, and these cookies track a user’s browsing behavior for various purposes, such as personalizing ads or improving website functionality. However, some people are concerned about tracking cookies and consider them spyware that invades their privacy by collecting information without their consent.

Regular website and browser cookies are encrypted files stored on your computer when you visit a website or online store. They keep details about your browser and web page interaction. The point of these cookie files is to create convenience for users when revisiting their websites.

The real villain is a type of cookie called tracking cookies. These cookies track all your activities on websites, gather your data and build browsing profiles based on your actions on the web. How tracking cookies operate raises privacy concerns, which is why they are regarded as tracking cookies.

On their own, tracking cookies are not considered spyware. Unfortunately, cybercriminals and hackers can use these cookies to steal your data. Even though tracking cookies store your browsing behavior, interests, and other data about you, they cannot see the information you didn’t provide. Most times, cookies cannot track you without your prior permission. Unfortunately, tracking cookies permission can also be hidden within the regular cookie permissions.

The biggest problem with tracking cookies is that an advertising agency can view your browsing history, which they use to target ads relevant to your interests. If you are uncomfortable with how tracking cookies monitor your browsing activities, you can prevent these websites from creating cookie files on your browser and stop advertisers from tracking you.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to disable tracking cookies on some popular web browsers:

Chrome:

  • Click the three dots in the top right corner to open the Chrome menu.
  • Click on “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
  • Scroll down and click on “Privacy and security.”
  • Click on “Cookies and other site data.”
  • Turn on the “Block third-party cookies” option.

Firefox:

  • Click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to open the Firefox menu.
  • Click on “Options” from the dropdown menu.
  • Click on “Privacy & Security” in the left-hand menu.
  • Under “Cookies and Site Data,” select the “Custom” option.
  • Uncheck the box next to “Cookies.”

Safari:

  • Click “Safari” in the top menu bar and select “Preferences.”
  • Click on the “Privacy” tab.
  • Under “Cookies and website data,” select “Always block.”

Microsoft Edge:

  • Click the three dots in the top right corner to open the Edge menu.
  • Click on “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
  • Click on “Privacy, search, and services” in the left-hand menu.
  • Under “Cookies and site permissions,” click on “Cookies and other site data.”
  • Toggle on the “Block third-party cookies” option.

It’s important to note that blocking tracking cookies can sometimes interfere with the functionality of certain websites, such as those that require you to log in. In these cases, you may need to enable cookies for that particular website.

If you have any questions or concerns about tracking cookies or online privacy, please don’t hesitate to contact our Privacy Care team through the contact options available in the Incognito app. Our team of experts is available to assist you with any inquiries or help you book a call with an expert to provide personalized support. Remember, taking control of your online privacy is essential, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

All the best and talk to you soon.

Max Roberts,
Incognito Privacy Care