Google Chrome is the world’s most popular browser.
The browser has many features and settings you can use to change how the browser works.
But not all of them are useful. A particular setting, which is on by default, is best disabled – it does more harm than good.
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Cookies in Chrome
The function in question has to do with cookies.
A cookie is a text file that is created by your browser when you visit a website.
In the text file, information about your computer and browser can be saved, which means that the website remembers important information about your visit.
This could mean, for example, that the website you were on saves your login details after you close it so that you don’t have to log in again.
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The expert on third-party cookies: “Offensive”
There are two different types of cookies: first-party cookies and third-party cookies.
The main difference between them is that first-party cookies are only saved by the website you have visited, while third-party cookies are used to share your data with other actors in order to provide you with customized advertising.
Third-party cookies have, according to many, more disadvantages than advantages for the user.
“The disadvantage of them (third-party cookies, editor’s note) is that you are followed online by all kinds of people when you have done something and it is uncertain who is taking part in your browsing. The biggest problem is privacy and that you have no control over who who receives one’s information. Often it may not matter, but in some cases if you have sensitive information, it can even be offensive,” has Peter Mackhémedia expert at Sweden’s Advertisers, previously told News24.
READ MORE: Then you should never accept cookies on the internet: “Offensive”
Photo: UnsplashHow to turn off the function
In Google Chrome, third-party cookies are allowed by default. If you do not want to be tracked and receive personalized ads, you can deactivate them in your browser settings.
Here’s how to do it:
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