Cookies, data privacy, and what you can do about it
You’ve probably noticed those pop-ups asking you to “accept cookies” when you visit a website. Maybe you click “accept all” just to move on, but what exactly are you agreeing to when you do that?
What cookies actually do
Cookies are small files that websites drop on your device. Some are genuinely useful: they remember your login so you don’t have to retype it, or they keep items in your shopping cart until you check out.
Other cookies track your online activity. That’s why after you browse for a new pair of shoes, you may see ads for those same shoes across other sites and social media.
What gets tracked beyond cookies
It’s not just cookies. Many everyday apps and websites also gather data. Depending on your settings and permissions, companies may be able to track:
• Pages you visit
• How long you stay on a site
• What you click on
• Your location
• Access to your contacts or microphone (if you grant permission)
Put together, these data points create a detailed profile of your habits, interests, and even daily routines.
What businesses can legally do with your data?
In the United States, there’s no single, comprehensive law that covers all personal data. Instead, we have a patchwork:
- Sector-specific rules protect certain data, like HIPAA for health information, COPPA for children’s data, and GLBA for financial institutions.
- Privacy policies are key — outside those specific industries, companies can generally collect, share, and even sell your information as long as they disclose it.
- State laws are emerging. California’s CCPA/CPRA is the most well-known, giving residents the right to know what’s collected, request deletion, and opt out of data sales. States like Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, and Virginia have passed similar laws. Wisconsin lawmakers are currently considering bills that would give residents more control over their personal data, but they haven’t yet been passed into law.
For most Americans, though, it’s largely up to you to manage your online privacy.
Practical tips to protect your privacy
You can’t avoid all data tracking, but you can limit it. Try these steps:
• Adjust privacy settings on your browser, phone, and apps; turn off permissions you don’t need.
• Use private or incognito mode to keep your browsing history off your device.
• Install ad blockers or privacy extensions to reduce tracking cookies.
• Clear cookies regularly or set your browser to delete them automatically.
• Be cautious with free apps — if you’re not paying with money, you’re often paying with data.
• Skim privacy policies before hitting “accept.”
Keeping your data in check
Cookies and data tracking are everywhere, but you’re not powerless against them. By understanding what’s being collected and taking a few simple precautions, you can make smarter choices about your digital footprint and decide how much of your personal information you want to share — and with whom.
