The top internet organizations are demanding Google remove third-party cookies because of privacy concerns.
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) updated its guidelines and asked Google to stop the use of third-party cookies because of the privacy concerns of its users. It stated that the third-party cookies would hurt the privacy of web users. The W3C demands the complete removal of third-party cookies from all websites.
What is a third-party cookie?
Third-party cookies are by the domain or a website on the user’s browser that is different from the browser in the current use. It stores the data of a user on their device. It will help the user directly log in or browse the shopping cart content. A third-party cookie is set by the domain of another web, other than the one you are currently using. It mainly consists of advertisements, social media platforms, etc.
How do the third-party cookies work?
Third-party cookies mainly focus on tracking the user’s behaviour on different websites. For instance, if you are visiting a website that advertises or has a tracking pixel, social media platforms, and many more. All these elements will be stored on the browser of the user, which leads to the creation of third-party cookies.
Now, when you visit some other website that has the same elements of advertisements, the network will easily track your movements and know that both websites were visited by the user.
However, the third-party cookies are still unsafe for users. As it tracks the user visiting different websites without their consent. It keeps track of user behaviour and even creates a detailed profile of a user without their knowledge.
It raises questions on the privacy concerns of the user.
Therefore, the W3C has demanded Google remove third-party cookies from its web to secure the privacy of its users.
However, Google has yet to make any official changes and is facing criticism for its behavior. But the rumors say that Google is about to replace third-party cookies with the Privacy Sandbox initiative. The Privacy Sandbox initiative offers the same ads but it also shows concern for the privacy of the user. It will require the user's consent before any action. However, this has yet to be confirmed by Google.