How Do You Protect Your Privacy From Cookies?

What are cookies anyway ?🍪

Cookies are small files that websites place on your device. They have several functions, such as:

• ✅ Remembering your login credentials.
• 📊 Tracking your browsing habits for marketing purposes.
• 🛍 Keeping track of items in your shopping cart.

While some are useful, they can also compromise your privacy if you are not aware of them.

 

 

Tips to protect your privacy from cookies 🛡️

1. Read cookie statements¹ carefully
   Take a moment to understand what cookies a Web site uses. Many sites offer an overview in their privacy or cookie statements.
2. Reject tracking cookies whenever possible
   • Make sure the cookie banner offers a clear choice:
     • Accept
     • Refuse
     • Customize preferences
       Websites should not just display an “Okay” button without an option to reject cookies.
3. Use a cookie blocker or browser settings
   • Use browser settings to block cookies automatically.
   • Choose a browser that values privacy, such as Brave or Firefox.
4. Consent for external content
   If you use an online calendar or YouTube videos👇 on your own website:
   • Request explicit permission before loading this content.
   • Place a notice in your cookie banner that third-party services (such as YouTube) may set tracking cookies.
5. Check your cookies regularly
   • Go to your browser settings and delete unwanted cookies.
   • Tip: Set your browser to clear cookies on exit.

 

 

 

What does this mean for your website? 🌐

If you run a website, you must comply with AVG regulations:

• 📋 Clear cookie banner: Make sure users can easily accept or reject cookies. Just an “Okay” button is not enough!
• 🎥 YouTube videos or diaries: Ask permission before loading them. Give users a choice.
• 🔍 Transparency: Clearly state what cookies you use and why.

 

 

 

Fine for Coolblue for Unsolicited Use of Cookies 💻❌

The Personal Data Authority (AP) has fined Coolblue 40,000 euros for the unsolicited placement of tracking cookies². Visitors were not given a clear choice to refuse cookies, in violation of the AVG. The rules require explicit consent before cookies are placed, with clear options such as “Accept” and “Refuse.” Coolblue assumed visitors gave tacit consent, but that is not allowed. Lesson learned? Make sure your cookie policy is AVG-proof:

• Place cookies only after consent.
• Offer real choices in your cookie banner.
• Transparency about what data you collect and why.

 

 

Using Your Privacy Rights 📜

These two privacy rights give you more control over your data:

1. Right of inspection
   • Ask organizations what data they process about you.
   • This helps you get a grip on your personal data.
   • More information? View the page on Right to View³.
2. Right to delete data
   • Does an organization no longer have a good reason to process your data? Then you can ask for deletion.
   • Please note that this is not always possible. Read more on the page about Right to data removal⁴.

 

 

Where do you start? 🚀

Protecting your privacy starts with awareness. Make sure you know what cookies are and what you can do with them. Websites must also take responsibility here by offering users clear choices. 💡 Want to know more? Visit the website of the Personal Data Authority⁵ or our blog⁶ for more information. Together, we will make the Internet safer!

🌐✨

 

 

¹https://alta-ict.nl/cookieverklaring/ ²https://autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl/actueel/boete-voor-coolblue-voor-het-ongevraagd-gebruiken-van-cookies ³https://autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl/themas/basis-avg/privacyrechten-avg/recht-op-inzage ⁴https://autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl/themas/basis-avg/privacyrechten-avg/recht-op-gegevens-verwijderen ⁵https://autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl/vraag-van-de-maand/hoe-bescherm-ik-mijn-privacy-tegen-cookies ⁶https://alta-ict.nl/blog/youtube-videos-en-cookies-wat-je-moet-weten/

 

 

About the author

My name is Alta Martes, a specialist in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, with a focus on modern workplace management, cloud security and identity & access management. With years of experience, I help organizations optimize their IT infrastructure and create a secure, efficient digital workplace. 🎯 Need help with your Microsoft 365 strategy?
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