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What Is Cookie?
Legal & Compliance
Updated 18 September 2026
Quick Answer
A cookie is a small piece of data a website stores in a visitor's browser to remember information between visits — like login status, cart contents, or tracking for analytics and ads.
Cookie vs. Pixel — What's the Difference?
| Cookie | Pixel | |
|---|---|---|
| Stored where | The visitor's own browser | Not stored on the visitor's device — fires a signal to a server |
Why It Matters
- Cookies are what allow features like 'remember me' logins and shopping carts to work across visits.
- They're also central to analytics and ad tracking, which is why cookie consent is a legal requirement in many regions.
How It Works
- A website sends a small piece of data to be stored in the visitor's browser.
- On future visits, the browser sends that data back, letting the site recognize the returning visitor.
- Different cookie types serve different purposes — session, functional, and tracking cookies.
Key Takeaways
- A cookie is data stored in a visitor's browser to remember information between visits.
- It enables logins, carts, and tracking alike.
- Cookie consent is a legal requirement in many regions for non-essential cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a cookie consent banner?
In many regions, yes — this is a legal requirement (e.g. GDPR in the UK/EU) for any site using non-essential cookies like tracking.
Are cookies dangerous?
Standard first-party cookies used for basic site function are low-risk; tracking cookies raise more genuine privacy considerations, which is why consent is required.
What happens if a visitor blocks cookies?
Some site features (logins, carts) may not work properly, and analytics/ad tracking becomes less accurate.