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Why Google is backtracking on eliminating cookies
Why Google is Backtracking on Eliminating Cookies
Google is backtracking on its pledge to get rid of third-party cookies on its web browser, Chrome. For more insights, we bring in our very own Dan Hy for this week's edition of Tech Support.
Understanding Google and Cookies
These are not the kind of cookies you can eat; rather, we are talking about third-party tracking cookies. These cookies have been a staple in web browsers and are designed to allow one website to place a cookie in your browser or computer, thereby tracking your activities across the web. For instance, if you are researching a new computer, you might start seeing computer ads on different websites you visit. Many people believe their phones are listening to them, but in reality, it's the cookies and other tracking mechanisms at work.
Google initially planned to eliminate these cookies in the name of privacy, which led to a significant backlash from advertisers who rely on this tracking data. After much debate and pushback, Google is now reversing its decision. They announced that users would eventually be able to disable third-party tracking cookies, although the details on how this will be implemented are still forthcoming.
Current Browser Landscape
Interestingly, other browsers like Safari (Apple's browser) and Firefox do not use third-party tracking cookies at all. Hence, users are not actively being followed across websites. However, Chrome, along with Microsoft's Edge (which is based on the same underlying software as Chrome), still includes these cookies. In Edge, users can turn these cookies off or reduce their tracking capabilities, and soon, Chrome will offer a similar feature to enhance user privacy.
Implications for Users
For the average user, this is a significant move towards better online privacy. While more relevant ads could be displayed based on your search behavior, the overarching concern is the invasion of privacy. Many find it unsettling and intrusive to see ads following them as they browse different topics online. This development could thus balance ad relevance with user comfort and privacy concerns.
Keywords
- Third-party tracking cookies: Cookies placed by a website on a user's browser, enabling tracking across multiple sites.
- Google Chrome: The web browser by Google which previously intended to remove tracking cookies.
- Privacy: The main concern leading to the consideration of eliminating third-party cookies.
- Advertisers: The group that opposed the removal of cookies due to the impact on targeted advertising.
- Browser alternatives: Other browsers like Safari and Firefox which do not use third-party tracking cookies.
- Microsoft Edge: Another browser that shares underlying software with Chrome and allows limited tracking.
FAQ
What are third-party tracking cookies?
Third-party tracking cookies are small data files placed by a website into your browser or computer, enabling that site and any affiliated sites to track your activities across the web.
Why did Google plan to eliminate these cookies?
Google planned to eliminate these cookies to enhance user privacy, responding to growing concerns about online tracking and data collection.
Why is Google backtracking on this plan?
Google faced significant pushback from advertisers who rely on third-party cookies for targeted ads, leading the company to reconsider and eventually decide to allow users to disable these cookies on their own.
Which browsers do not use third-party tracking cookies?
Browsers like Safari (Apple's browser) and Firefox do not use third-party tracking cookies, hence they do not track users across different websites.
Will Chrome users be able to disable third-party cookies in the future?
Yes, Google has announced that Chrome users will eventually be able to disable third-party tracking cookies, although the exact implementation details are yet to be revealed.
How does Microsoft's Edge handle third-party cookies?
Microsoft's Edge, which runs on the same underlying software as Chrome, allows users to turn off or tone down the capabilities of third-party tracking cookies.