Qu’est-ce qu’un cookie ? (web) - 1 Minute pour comprendre

Summary

In this video, Nathan explains the concept of cookies, which are small text files that websites store on your computer to improve functionality and enhance your browsing experience. He differentiates between first-party cookies, which are essential for website operation, and third-party cookies, often used by external services like Google Analytics and advertisers to track user behavior. Nathan also touches on privacy concerns, explaining how malicious actors can steal cookies to access personal accounts, and highlights upcoming changes in Google Chrome aimed at protecting user privacy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cookies are small text files that websites place on your computer to enhance your browsing experience.
• 😀 Websites use cookies to remember login credentials, preventing users from having to re-enter their password each time they interact with a site.
• 😀 Cookies help websites store preferences, such as language settings, so that users don't need to manually adjust them every time they visit.
• 😀 There are two types of cookies: first-party cookies (from the website you're visiting) and third-party cookies (from external services integrated into the website).
• 😀 Third-party cookies are commonly used by external services like Google Analytics, advertising networks, and social media platforms to track user behavior across different sites.
• 😀 For example, after searching for a product on Amazon, third-party cookies might show you related ads on other websites, based on your browsing history.
• 😀 Third-party cookies are embedded in websites via external elements like YouTube videos, Facebook 'Like' buttons, or Twitter feeds.
• 😀 Cookies play a role in targeted advertising, enabling companies to serve personalized ads to users based on their browsing history.
• 😀 Malicious actors can steal cookies to impersonate users and access sensitive accounts like social media or banking accounts.
• 😀 To improve privacy, cookies typically have an expiration date, which limits the time they can be used for tracking.
• 😀 Google Chrome announced in 2022 that it would stop supporting third-party cookies, signaling a shift towards greater privacy protection for internet users.

Q & A

What are cookies in the context of web browsing?

Cookies are small text files that a website places on your computer to store information. This information can include session data, preferences, or tracking data for analytics and advertising purposes.

Why do websites need to store cookies on my computer?

Websites use cookies to remember information such as login credentials or preferences, allowing them to function correctly. For example, cookies store your session ID so that you don't need to log in repeatedly every time you click on something.

What happens if a website doesn't use cookies?

Without cookies, many websites, especially dynamic ones, wouldn't function properly. For instance, you would need to enter your login details every time you interact with the site, which would disrupt the user experience.

What are 'third-party cookies'?

Third-party cookies are cookies placed by external services, like Google Analytics or Facebook, which are included on the websites you visit. These cookies track your behavior across multiple sites and are mainly used for advertising and analytics.

How do third-party cookies track users?

Third-party cookies track users by collecting data on your browsing behavior across different websites. For example, if you browse for a product on one site, you may see ads for that product on other websites you visit later.

What is the difference between first-party and third-party cookies?

First-party cookies are set by the website you're currently visiting and are used to improve your experience on that site (e.g., remembering login details). Third-party cookies, on the other hand, are set by external services (like advertisers or analytics tools) and are used to track your behavior across different sites.

Why do people say cookies are used for spying?

Cookies are often associated with 'spying' because third-party cookies can track your browsing activities across multiple websites, leading to personalized advertisements. This tracking can feel intrusive, which is why cookies are sometimes criticized for invading privacy.

Can cookies be stolen, and how does this affect security?

Yes, cookies can be stolen by malicious individuals. Since cookies can store sensitive information like login credentials, if someone steals your cookies, they can use them to access your accounts on websites like Facebook, Google, or even your bank.

Why do cookies have expiration dates?

Cookies have expiration dates as a security measure. This ensures that cookies do not remain on your device indefinitely, reducing the risk of misuse if they are stolen or accessed by unauthorized users.

What changes did Google announce regarding cookies?

Google announced that, starting in 2022, Google Chrome will stop supporting third-party cookies. This move aims to improve privacy for internet users by limiting the ability of external companies to track user behavior across websites.