You land on a website and there it is again: the inevitable cookie banner. Most people quickly click "Agree" to proceed, but what have you actually accepted? Are they digital spies, or do they actually make the internet easier?

At Mediawax, we expose the technology behind the crumbs, so that you, as an entrepreneur, know what is happening on your website.

What exactly is a cookie?

A cookie is a small text file that a website stores on your computer, tablet, or smartphone the moment you visit the site. This file stores information about your visit.

The different types of "flavors"

Not every cookie is the same. We distinguish three main categories:

1. Functional cookies (Necessary)

These ensure that the website works properly. Think of remembering products in your shopping cart or remembering your language choice. You do not need visitor consent for these cookies.

2. Analytical cookies (To measure is to know)

With these cookies, we collect statistics on how the website is used. Which pages are popular? Where do people drop off? At Mediawax, we use this data to continuously improve websites. If these cookies are set up in a privacy-friendly way (anonymously), consent is sometimes not required.

3. Tracking cookies (Marketing)

These are the most discussed cookies. They track your browsing behavior across different websites to build a profile. Did you just look at shoes on site A and then see an advertisement for those same shoes on Facebook? Those are tracking cookies. Explicit consent is always required for these.

First-party vs. Third-party

First-party: Placed by the website you are visiting (e.g., Mediawax itself).

Third-party: Placed by another party via the website you are visiting (e.g., by Google or Facebook for advertisements).

Cookies and the law (GDPR)

Since the introduction of the GDPR, legislation has become stricter. As a website owner, you must:

Clearly state which cookies you use.
Give visitors the choice to refuse cookies (except for functional ones).
Only load cookies after consent has been given.

Conclusion

Cookies are the glue of the modern internet; they remember who we are and what our preferences are. But as an entrepreneur, it is your responsibility to handle this transparently and respectfully.

Does your website comply with current cookie legislation?