Photo by As a user of online services, have you ever stopped to think about the cookies that are tracking your every move? You know, those pesky little files that are downloaded onto your device whenever you visit a website? Well, let me tell you, they’re not just harmless little treats. They’re actually a crucial part of the way that websites like Yahoo operate.
When you use Yahoo’s sites and apps, they use cookies to provide you with the service you expect. They use them to authenticate users, apply security measures, and prevent spam and abuse. But that’s not all - they also use them to measure your use of their sites and apps. And if you click ‘Accept all’, they’ll also store and/or access information on your device, including precise geolocation data and other personal data like IP address and browsing and search data.
Now, you might be thinking, ‘So what’s the big deal? I don’t mind a few cookies tracking my movements.’ But the thing is, those cookies are not just tracking your movements on Yahoo’s sites and apps. They’re also being used to provide you with personalised advertising and content. And let me tell you, that’s a whole different ball game.
I remember when I first started using the internet, I was amazed by the way that websites could seem to read my mind. I’d search for something on Google, and then suddenly, ads for that very thing would start popping up all over my favourite websites. It was like magic! But as I learned more about how the internet works, I started to realise that it wasn’t magic at all. It was just cookies, tracking my every move and using that information to sell me stuff.
And it’s not just Yahoo that’s doing it. Oh no, it’s all of the big online players. They’re all using cookies to track your movements, to sell you stuff, and to make money off of your personal data. And that’s why it’s so important to be aware of what’s going on.
So, what can you do to protect yourself? Well, for starters, you can click ‘Reject all’ when you’re asked about cookies. You can also customise your choices by clicking ‘Manage privacy settings’. And if you want to learn more about how Yahoo uses your personal data, you can check out their privacy policy and cookie policy.
Image: A logo for Yahoo
But here’s the thing: even if you do all of those things, you’re still not completely safe. That’s because cookies are just one part of a much bigger system. They’re part of a system that is designed to track your every move, to sell you stuff, and to make money off of your personal data. And that system is not going to go away just because you click ‘Reject all’ on the cookie pop-up.
So, what’s the solution? Well, that’s a question for another time. But for now, just be aware of what’s going on. Be aware of the cookies that are tracking your every move, and be aware of the system that is using that information to sell you stuff. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll find a way to take back control of our personal data and use the internet in a way that’s truly private and secure.
Image: A person sitting at a desk, looking concerned
Until then, just remember: every time you click ‘Accept all’, you’re giving away a little piece of yourself. And once you’ve given it away, you can never get it back.
Image: A cookie
So, the next time you see that cookie pop-up, think twice before you click ‘Accept all’. Think about what you’re giving away, and think about what you’re getting in return. Because in the end, it’s your personal data, and it’s up to you to protect it.
