Super cookie
Super Cookie
Super Cookie Definition
A super cookie, also known as an evercookie, is a particularly resilient type of cookie that is designed to persistently track user behavior across the internet. Unlike regular cookies, which can be easily deleted, super cookies are stored in multiple locations and are automatically reinstated even after users attempt to remove them.
How Super Cookies Work
Super cookies are stored in various locations on a user's device, such as browser storage, Flash storage, and HTML5 storage, making them difficult to remove. By using multiple storage locations, super cookies have a higher chance of persisting, even if one location is cleared.
One way super cookies achieve their persistence is through a technique called "respawning" or "recreation." This means that even if a user manually deletes a super cookie, it can automatically regenerate itself from other locations. This ability to resurrect themselves allows super cookies to continue tracking user activities without interruption.
Super cookies are often used by various entities, such as advertisers, data brokers, and even malicious actors, to create detailed profiles of users' browsing habits and online activities. These profiles can then be used to serve targeted advertisements, personalize content, or potentially infringe on users' privacy.
Prevention Tips
Here are some tips to protect against super cookies:
Regularly clear browser history and cache: By clearing your browser history and cache regularly, you can remove stored cookies, including super cookies. This helps maintain a higher level of privacy and prevents long-term tracking.
Use privacy-focused web browsers: Consider using web browsers that prioritize privacy and offer built-in protection against super cookies. These browsers often have advanced tracking prevention mechanisms and additional privacy features to safeguard your online activities.
Employ browser extensions or add-ons: There are browser extensions and add-ons available that specifically target super cookies. These tools can help identify and block super cookies, providing an extra layer of protection against tracking.
Enhanced Understanding
To further enhance your understanding of super cookies, here is some additional information gathered from the top search results:
Types of Super Cookies: Super cookies can take different forms and be stored in various ways. Some common types of super cookies include:
- Flash cookies: These cookies utilize Adobe Flash technology to store user information. They are often placed in a dedicated folder on the user's computer.
- HTML5 storage: Super cookies can also leverage HTML5 storage capabilities to store user data. This storage method provides a larger capacity compared to traditional cookies.
- ETag tracking: ETags, or entity tags, can be used to track users. They are a part of the HTTP protocol and can be leveraged as super cookies by assigning a unique identifier to a user's device or browser.
Controversies and Concerns: Super cookies have garnered attention and raised privacy concerns due to their ability to persistently track users, even after attempts to remove them. Some key concerns include:
- Lack of user control: Super cookies are often placed on users' devices without their explicit consent or knowledge, raising concerns about user control over their online privacy.
- Cross-site tracking: Super cookies can be used to track users across different websites, enabling the creation of more comprehensive user profiles. This has implications for targeted advertising and potential data breaches.
- Legal and ethical implications: The use of super cookies without users' consent raises legal and ethical questions regarding online privacy and data protection.
Advancements in Privacy Protection: As concerns about online privacy increase, there have been advancements in privacy protection measures to combat super cookies and other tracking methods. Some notable developments include:
- Enhanced browser privacy settings: Modern web browsers have incorporated improved privacy settings, allowing users to customize their cookie preferences and enable stricter tracking prevention measures.
- Privacy regulations: Governments and regulatory bodies have introduced new laws and regulations to protect user privacy, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. These regulations aim to provide users with more control over their personal data.
By understanding how super cookies work, being aware of prevention techniques, and considering the larger context and concerns related to their use, users can take steps to mitigate the risks associated with these persistent tracking mechanisms.