What are session cookies?

Posted: May 10, 2023

What’s the difference between cookies and sessions?

While cookies are data stored on the user’s device (often as small text files), sessions use a server-side storage mechanism to maintain user states throughout a web browsing session. Session cookies serve as a key identifier that bridges the gap between the client and the server by storing a unique session ID used by the server to retrieve the session data. This process ensures security and seamless user experience by minimizing data load during transactions. 

Do session cookies require consent?

Strictly necessary session cookies, which are indispensable for website operation such as conducting a transaction or providing a service requested by the user (like e-commerce shopping carts), typically do not require user consent. However, it is crucial for user trust and legal compliance to inform users about the presence of these cookies, possibly within a privacy policy or cookie notice at the point of website entry. 

What are performance cookies?

Performance cookies are used to gather data on website performance metrics such as page load times, response times, and error messages. This information helps website owners identify parts of their site that are underperforming and make necessary improvements, ultimately enhancing the user experience. These cookies do not collect information that identifies a visitor and are valued for their role in improving web functionalities. 

What are functional cookies?

Functional cookies are essential for creating interactive websites that respond to user choices and preferences. They remember settings and customization changes such as language selections, region, or even text size, enabling consistent personalization across the site. These cookies enhance user experience by making interactions with the site smoother and more tailored to individual needs. 

What are analytics cookies?

Analytics cookies collect and report data on user interactions within the website, providing insights that help website operators understand how visitors engage with their site elements. This data is critical for analyzing site traffic, optimizing content, and better understanding user pathways, which helps in improving site architecture and design for better engagement and retention. 

What are advertisement cookies?

Advertisement cookies are crucial for ad management and personalization across websites. They track user behavior, such as the ads viewed or clicked, allowing advertisers to deliver more relevant advertising content to each user. These cookies help marketers measure the effectiveness of ad campaigns and optimize the ads displayed based on user preferences and behaviors. 

What are persistent cookies?

Persistent cookies, also known as permanent or stored cookies, are stored on a user’s device in between browser sessions and allow the preferences or actions of the user across a site (or in some cases across different sites) to be remembered. These cookies can be used for a variety of purposes, including remembering choices and preferences when using a site or targeting advertising. 

What are first-party cookies?

First-party cookies are those set by the website that the user is visiting directly. They are commonly used to collect analytics data, remember language settings, and perform other functions that provide a smooth online experience. 

What are third-party cookies?

Third-party cookies are set by a domain other than the one the user is visiting. They are often used for online advertising purposes and tracking, enabling advertisers to deliver tailored advertising to users across different sites and over time, thereby creating a profile of a user’s interests. 

How do I stop blocking session cookies?

To stop blocking session cookies, users can adjust their browser settings to accept cookies, particularly those that are considered secure and come from trusted websites. This can typically be done through the privacy settings or options menu of most modern web browsers. 

Should I always allow session cookies?

Allowing session cookies, especially from trusted sites, can significantly enhance your browsing experience by maintaining your session state and preferences across a website. However, it’s important to review and understand the cookie practices of each site and adjust settings or permissions based on your comfort with their data handling practices. 

Where are session cookies stored?

Session cookies are stored in the memory of your browser and are only available during an active browser session. Once the browser is closed, these cookies are usually deleted automatically due to their temporary nature. 

Where are non-session cookies stored?

Non-session or persistent cookies are stored on the hard drive of your device and can remain there until they expire naturally or are manually deleted by the user. These cookies are reactivated upon revisits to the respective websites. 

Do session cookies expire?

Yes, session cookies are designed to expire as soon as the user closes their browser or after a short timeout period, effectively ending the user’s session on the website. This makes them ideal for short-term data storage associated with a single session.