Should I Accept or Reject All Cookies?

If you’ve spent any time online, you’ve likely been interrupted by a cookie banner asking if you’d like to “accept all” or “reject all.” It’s tempting to click through just to keep browsing, but have you ever stopped to think about what you’re agreeing to?

What Are Cookies, Exactly?

Cookies are tiny files that websites save on your device to remember information about you. Some of these are harmless, and even helpful. For example, they can keep you logged in, remember what’s in your cart, or save your language settings.

But not all cookies serve just you. Many are used to track your behavior online. These can be used to analyze how you use a site, or more often, to show you personalized ads based on your browsing habits. If you’ve ever wondered why an ad follows you around the internet, cookies are likely the reason.

There are also two main types of cookies based on how long they last:

• Session cookies disappear when you close your browser.

• Persistent cookies stick around longer and may remember you the next time you visit the site.

What Happens When You Click “Accept All”?

Choosing to accept all cookies means you’re allowing the website, and often third parties, to track and store your activity. This can lead to a more tailored experience with personalized content and recommendations. However, it also means you’re giving up a level of privacy.

Rejecting non-essential cookies won’t stop a site from working. You’ll still be able to browse and use its core features, but things like personalized ads or saved preferences might not show up.

Why Are Cookie Banners Everywhere?

The reason these notices are so common is because of a privacy law called the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), introduced by the European Union in 2018. It requires websites to ask for your permission before storing or accessing certain types of data.

Even sites based outside the EU often follow these rules to stay compliant for international users.

Taking Control of Your Data

If you’re tired of manually setting cookie preferences, there’s a tool called Global Privacy Control (GPC) that helps automate your privacy choices. It’s not yet a standard across the web, but it’s a step toward giving users more control.

You can also clear cookies from your browser to reset your settings, but be aware that this will log you out of most websites.

At the end of the day, whether you accept or reject cookies is up to you. Just be sure you know what you’re saying “yes” to.

Cate Bender, the author, is Project Coordinator of Marketing Keys