In today's digital world, you've probably encountered cookie notifications while browsing websites. But what exactly are cookies, and why do websites need these notifications? Cookies are small files stored on your device that help websites remember information about your visit, like items in your shopping cart or login details.

There are two main types of cookies:

Session cookies, which disappear when you close your browser, and persistent cookies, which stay on your device. First-party cookies come directly from the site you're visiting, while third-party cookies, like those used by Facebook or Google, track your activity across different websites.

Cookie notifications became more common after the European Union's GDPR law in 2016, which required websites to inform users about data collection and tracking practices. While some sites display a cookie wall, preventing access until you accept cookies, businesses can avoid this by minimizing tracking practices. For example, at MadeDaily, we don’t use cookies for analytics, so no cookie wall is necessary.

Understanding these small but impactful files can help you better navigate your online experience, knowing how your data is used and protected.