Cookie / Development Terms Cookie A cookie is a small text file stored on a user’s device by a website to collect and remember information about the user’s visit. Cookies help websites recognise returning visitors, store user preferences and track activity across sessions. They are commonly used to improve user experience, enable personalisation and support analytics, advertising and login functionality. There are two main types of cookies. First-party cookies are set by the website a user is actively visiting and typically support core site functionality such as remembering language settings or items in a shopping cart. Third-party cookies are set by external domains, such as advertising networks or social media platforms, and are often used to track users across multiple sites for retargeting or behavioural advertising. With growing concerns around data privacy, many browsers have started limiting the use of third-party cookies, and regulations such as the GDPR and Canada’s PIPEDA require clear disclosure and consent before collecting cookie data. Managing cookies properly is essential for both compliance and trust. Websites should provide transparent cookie banners or preference centres that allow users to choose which types of cookies they accept. Marketers and developers must also audit cookies regularly and ensure only necessary cookies are active before consent is given. While cookies offer valuable insights and convenience, they must be handled responsibly. In privacy-first environments, alternative tracking methods such as server-side tagging, first-party data strategies or contextual targeting are increasingly being used to balance performance with user protection.