Cookies are small files stored in browsers that track user behaviour. Third-party cookies, used for cross-site tracking, are being phased out due to privacy concerns.
Types of Cookies
View Cookie Types
First-Party Cookies: Set by the website you visit. Used for login, preferences, analytics. Not going away.
Third-Party Cookies: Set by other domains (ad networks, social platforms). Used for tracking across sites. Being phased out.
Session Cookies: Temporary, deleted when browser closes
Persistent Cookies: Remain until expiration or deletion
Why Cookies Are Changing
- Privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA)
- Browser restrictions (Safari, Firefox already block third-party)
- Google Chrome phasing out (delayed but coming)
- Consumer privacy expectations
- iOS App Tracking Transparency
Impact on Marketing
- Retargeting becomes harder
- Attribution more difficult
- Conversion tracking affected
- Lookalike audiences less precise
Preparing for Cookieless Future
Focus on first-party data collection, server-side tracking, contextual advertising, and building direct customer relationships through email and owned channels.