Ever searched for a product…
And saw ads for it everywhere — even days later?
You’ve been tracked by cookies.
Let’s explain how they work — and how to block them for good.
✅ 1. What is a tracking cookie?
A tracking cookie is a small file saved by websites to:
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Monitor your browsing across different sites
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Build advertising profiles
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Store login or session info
✅ Not all cookies are bad — but tracking cookies follow you between websites.
✅ 2. How do they work?
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You visit Site A
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Site A includes ads or scripts from Tracker B
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Tracker B places a cookie
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Now, wherever you go — B sees what you click, read, or search
These cookies are used by:
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Ad networks (Google, Facebook, Amazon)
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Analytics tools
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Retargeting platforms
✅ 3. How to view and delete them
In Chrome:
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Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and site data → See all cookies
In Firefox:
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Settings → Privacy → Manage Data
✅ Clear cookies regularly — or use browser settings to auto-delete on close.
✅ 4. How to block tracking cookies
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Use Incognito/Private Mode (cookies delete after session)
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Enable “Do Not Track” in browser settings
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Install privacy tools:
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uBlock Origin
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Privacy Badger
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DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials
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✅ 5. Use browsers focused on privacy
Try:
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Brave – blocks trackers and ads by default
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Firefox with Enhanced Tracking Protection
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Tor Browser for total anonymity
Key points to remember
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Tracking cookies follow your activity across websites
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They’re mostly used for advertising — not malware, but still invasive
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Delete cookies often and use privacy extensions
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Choose privacy-first browsers for stronger protection
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If you wouldn’t let strangers follow you in real life — don’t let cookies do it online