Short about cookies
Cookies, or “informasjonskapsler” as they are called in Norwegian, are small data files stored in a system when you visit websites. While some cookies are strictly necessary to keep websites running, other cookies are used to collect data about who visits a website, and to track you, your preferences, and your activity.
Third-party cookies are used to track your activity across multiple websites. Let’s illustrate a very simple example: If you search for a specific type of sneakers, you will see that the same type of shoes or similar ones appear in the search results afterwards. Your activity from one website to another follows you, making it obvious which choice you are expected to make.
Why is Google choosing to do this now?
Based on what we know third-party cookies do, this does not go hand in hand with your privacy. After all, these cookies track what you do when you browse the internet – and this in turn reveals a lot about who you are as a person, the choices you make, and the lifestyle you lead. In other words, cookies process personal data, which today may conflict with your rights.
Considering that other browsers like Firefox and Safari were earlier in blocking third-party cookies – precisely because of the privacy concerns involved – it is not surprising that Google is now choosing to do the same. In addition, many believe this will work in Google’s favor by giving them a higher degree of control over the market, which in turn leads to economic advantages.
How will Google track us going forward?
Instead of being tracked by many, you will now be tracked by one, namely Google’s browser Chrome. This means you will see ads based on what is stored about you in Chrome. Websites have in this way lost the ability to use third-party cookies to collect information about which ads to show you. They are now dependent on Chrome to gain these insights.
Do you still have questions?
As Google partners, we see this as an interesting and important topic. How should you, as an online store owner, respond to this groundbreaking news? What will be the most profitable way forward?
