Flash cookies
Flash Cookies
Flash cookies, also known as Local Shared Objects (LSOs), are small pieces of data stored on a user's computer when they interact with Flash content on a website. Unlike traditional cookies, which are managed by a browser, Flash cookies are managed by Adobe Flash Player.
Flash cookies can store user preferences, track user behavior, and save user settings for Flash-based applications. However, they are also capable of being used for tracking and targeted advertising purposes without the user's knowledge.
How Flash Cookies Work
When a user visits a website that uses Adobe Flash content, Flash cookies can be stored on their computer. These cookies can track the user's activity across multiple websites that use the same Flash content. This can lead to the collection of extensive data about the user's online behavior and preferences.
Although browser cookies can be deleted through browser settings, Flash cookies are not always deleted when a user clears their browser's cookies. This makes them a particularly persistent and potentially invasive tracking mechanism.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Flash Cookies
Advantages
- Enhanced User Experience: Flash cookies can save user preferences and settings, allowing for a more personalized browsing experience.
- Storage Capabilities: Flash cookies can store larger amounts of data compared to traditional cookies, enabling more complex Flash-based applications.
Disadvantages
- Privacy Concerns: Flash cookies can be used to track user behavior across websites, potentially compromising user privacy.
- Persistent Storage: Unlike browser cookies, Flash cookies are not always cleared when a user clears their browser's cookies, making it difficult for users to control their data.
- Surreptitious Tracking: Flash cookies can be used for tracking and targeted advertising purposes without the user's knowledge or consent.
Controlling Flash Cookies
To mitigate the potential privacy risks associated with Flash cookies, consider the following prevention tips:
1. Disable Flash
Consider disabling Adobe Flash Player or setting it to "click-to-play" in your browser settings to prevent Flash cookies from being stored on your computer. This allows you to control when Flash content is loaded, reducing the chances of Flash cookies being created.
2. Regularly Clear Flash Cookies
To manage and delete Flash cookies stored on your computer, you can visit Adobe's website. They provide tools that allow you to view and remove specific Flash cookies or delete them all at once. Regularly clearing Flash cookies can help protect your privacy and limit the accumulation of tracking data.
3. Use Privacy Tools
Install browser extensions or privacy tools that specifically target and block Flash cookies. These tools can provide additional defense against unwanted tracking and enhance your online privacy.
Additional Information
Here are some additional insights and facts related to Flash cookies:
- Flash cookies were initially created to provide an alternative storage method for data that could be accessed across different Flash-based applications.
- Flash cookies can be used to store game progress, user preferences in streaming platforms, and other data that enhances the user experience.
- Flash cookies have faced criticism and legal challenges due to their potential privacy implications. In 2010, a settlement was reached in a class-action lawsuit against a popular website for using Flash cookies without user consent.
- The use of Flash cookies has declined in recent years, partly due to the decreasing popularity of Adobe Flash content on the web. Many websites have transitioned to HTML5 and other technologies that do not rely on Flash.
Flash cookies, also known as Local Shared Objects (LSOs), are small pieces of data stored on a user's computer when they interact with Flash content on a website. These cookies are managed by Adobe Flash Player and can track user behavior, store preferences, and save settings for Flash-based applications. They provide enhanced user experiences and storage capabilities but also raise privacy concerns due to their potential for surreptitious tracking and persistent storage. To control Flash cookies, you can disable Adobe Flash Player, regularly clear Flash cookies, or use privacy tools that block them. The use of Flash cookies has decreased in recent years, reflecting the shift towards alternative web technologies.