The term “cookie” (in internet browsing, at least) originally came from “magic cookie,” a programming expression referring to data exchanged between programs used for authentication. As the web evolved, programmers adapted the concept to describe data sent by a website and stored on a user’s device.
The data that cookies store — ranging from login credentials to browsing habits—allows for easy navigation and customized experiences. When you visit an e-commerce site, for example, cookies make sure the items in your shopping cart remain available even as you continue to browse. In short, they’re the oil that keeps the online world running smoothly.
While cookies come in various types, each with different roles and privacy implications, first-party and third-party cookies are the most talked about of the bunch—certainly when it comes to user trust.
First-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are created by the website you are currently visiting and third parties. These cookies track your behavior within a specific domain, helping the site remember preferences such as login details, language settings, user behavior and tracking to name a few.
Technically, these cookies are implemented through JavaScript on the website or server side and remain confined to that particular domain. They expire after a certain period or when the user clears their browser cookies. Since first-party cookies are confined to the domain you are visiting, some are considered essential for website functionality—such as those used to remember login details or maintain shopping cart contents. These essential cookies generally do not require user consent, as they are necessary for the site to operate properly.
However, other first-party cookies, used for purposes such as analytics, tracking user behavior, or targeted marketing, are not essential for core functionality. These types of cookies do require clear disclosure and user consent under privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA to ensure transparency and protect user privacy.
Third Parties Setting First-Party Cookies
Furthermore first-party cookies can be set by a third party, but only under specific conditions. If a third party operates within the domain you’re visiting, they can set first-party cookies, as long as the cookies are set from that domain.
While first-party cookies are typically considered less invasive because they are tied to the domain you’re visiting, third parties (like analytics or marketing services) can still use these cookies to collect data. Although the cookie is first-party to the domain, the data collected could be sent back to the third party, increasing external data access.
For example, if an analytics service runs directly on a website (through an embedded script), the cookies it sets can still be classified as first-party cookies because they are associated with the domain you’re currently visiting. These cookies would still follow the same behavior as regular first-party cookies: being confined to that domain and used to improve user experience or site functionality.
However, if the third party sets cookies from their own domain, those would be considered third-party cookies, even if they’re used on the same website you’re visiting.
In short, the key factor in determining whether a cookie is first- or third-party is the domain from which it originates, not necessarily who sets it.
Created by the website being visited
First-party cookies originate from the site the user is currently browsing.
Third Parties Setting First-Party Cookies
Third parties operating within the website’s domain (such as analytics or marketing services) can set first-party cookies, as long as these cookies originate from the visited domain.
Essential vs. Non-Essential First-Party Cookies
Some first-party cookies are considered essential for website functionality. These do not require user consent, as they are necessary for the site to operate properly.
Transparency and Compliance with Privacy Regulations
Websites are required to disclose their use of first-party cookies, especially when these are non-essential and used for tracking or marketing purposes.
Third-Party Cookies
Third-party cookies are more tricky as they’re created by domains other than the one you’re currently visiting. These cookies are primarily used for tracking purposes, allowing third parties—often advertisers or analytics services—to monitor your activity across multiple websites. For example, if you visit a news site and see a banner ad for a product you recently viewed on an online store, that’s most likely the result of third-party cookies.
The main purpose of these types of cookies is to deliver personalized advertising, which has made them a central component of the digital marketing ecosystem. They allow advertisers to serve targeted ads based on a user’s browsing history, preferences, and demographic information. However, if the gathering of this information makes you a little uneasy, you’re not alone. Widespread tracking across the web has raised major privacy concerns, with many users uncomfortable with the idea of being monitored by external companies they haven’t directly interacted with.
As a result, browsers like Safari and Firefox have taken steps to block third-party cookies by default.
Created by domains other than the current website
Third-party cookies are generated by external domains, such as advertisers or analytics services, rather than the site being visited.
Raise privacy concerns
Users are often uncomfortable with external companies tracking their activity without direct interaction, leading to concerns over data privacy.
Used for tracking and delivering personalized ads
These cookies monitor user behavior across multiple websites to serve targeted ads based on browsing history, preferences, and demographics.
Blocked by some browsers by default
Due to privacy concerns, browsers like Safari and Firefox have implemented default blocks on third-party cookies.
Why Consent Management Platforms Are Important
The widespread privacy concerns that come hand-in-hand with cookies have resulted in regulatory bodies like the European Union’s GDPR and California’s CCPA setting guidelines for their use. Consent management has now become a necessity for websites that collect and use cookie data, requiring businesses to operate transparently and grant users control over their personal information.
With increased scrutiny on third-party cookies, in particular, websites need to offer clear consent options to avoid legal repercussions and maintain user trust. Consent Management Platforms (CMPs) like CookieHub not only simplify compliance but heighten the user experience by making data privacy more accessible and understandable.
How CookieHub Can Help
CookieHub is a simple, powerful consent management platform that helps websites stay compliant with privacy regulations. It features an automatic cookie scanner to detect and categorize cookies for easy management.
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Our completely free tool will generate a detailed list of all cookies currently in use, along with valuable information about their purpose.
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