What are cookies?
In an increasingly tech-dominated world, it is important to have a basic understanding of some of the techniques used to gather data. One particularly pervasive technique are cookies. A cookie? No, not the tasty treat you can pick up at a local grocery store. Rather, a technique used by websites to gather and retain information about users.
The privacy implications of these small data files are particularly important if you run an online business. Use LawPath’s lawyer directory to get advice from a business lawyer about how to use cookies whilst still maintaining your user’s privacy.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small data files which are downloaded onto a computer when a website is visited for the first time. They store information about the visit to the site so that the next time it is visited, the site knows that a user has been there before and can tailor the experience. The computer facilitates this by checking if it has stored a relevant cookie and, if it has, sends the information stored in the cookie back to the site.
There are privacy implications flowing from their use. LawPath’s easily customisable privacy policy contains terms governing the use of cookies on a website.
Why do websites use cookies?
Websites use cookies to improve a user’s experience. They do this by enabling the site to track user visits and activity. They seek to eliminate irrelevant aspects of the site for routine users and store information for an easier and more tailored experience.
In practice
Example 1: A regular user of a website (which, upon first visit gives you a tutorial of how to use the site) would not need to experience the tutorial each time they access the site. Cookies enable the site to track access and activity to tailor the experience for the user and remove the tutorial requirement.
Example 2: A regular online shopper has a favourite store to buy clothes from. In the middle of an online shopping session, their laptop runs out of battery and their browser, containing a full shopping basket, is closed. As cookies have stored what was in the basket, the shopper can pick up where they left off once their laptop charges.
What are the implications of cookies for personal privacy?
The nature of cookies is that they are data retainers. One-off data retention seems relatively harmless; however, it is the cumulative effect of data retention which have implications for personal privacy.
The data retained can be used to profile user activity and interests on the web. If you have ever looked up a specific pair of shoes online, only to have an ad for those shoes pop-up on your Facebook account, it is likely that cookies had a part to play in that targeted advertising.
Conclusion
The misleadingly named ‘cookies’ have revolutionised the way data is collected on the web. However, with that transformation comes greater obligations on the part of website owners to protect user’s privacy. A business lawyer can give you advice about how you can collect data in a manner which is compliant with privacy laws in Australia. LawPath also has an easily customisable privacy policy that you can use to support your business’s growth online and detail your use of cookies on your website.
Need more help? Contact a LawPath consultant on 1800 529 728 to learn more about customising legal documents, obtaining a fixed-fee quote from Australia’s largest legal marketplace or to get answers to your legal questions.
