Zombie cookies
Zombie cookies
(also persistent cookies, evercookies)
Zombie cookies definition
Zombie cookies, also known as persistent cookies or evercookies, represent a type of HTTP cookie that recreates itself after deletion from a user’s browser. Unlike standard cookies, zombie cookies utilize a web browser’s various data storage mechanisms simultaneously so that they can reactivate when a user tries to delete them.
See also: first-party cookie, flash cookies, persistent cookie, secure cookie, session cookie, third-party cookie, tracking cookie
Zombie cookies examples
- Online advertising: Advertisers use zombie cookies to persistently track user behavior online to understand their preferences and serve them targeted ads.
- Website personalization: Some websites may use zombie cookies to remember a user’s preferences, enhancing their experience during subsequent visits.
Advantages and disadvantages of zombie cookies for advertisers
Pros
- Persistent data: Zombie cookies enable the retention of user data across sessions, leading to improved personalization and usability.
- Advertising: They allow businesses to collect comprehensive data on user behavior and preferences, facilitating more effective targeted advertising.
Cons
- Invasiveness: Zombie cookies are widely criticized for their invasiveness, given their persistence and the difficulty in removing them.
- Privacy concerns: They pose significant privacy issues, as they can be used to track users’ online activities without their consent and are considered unethical
Managing zombie cookies
- Use browser settings and privacy tools that can detect and remove zombie cookies.