Block third-party cookies

  1. What are trackers?
  2. Blocking trackers
  3. Troubleshooting

What are trackers?

Cookies can be first-party or third-party cookies (these are called trackers).

First-party cookies are small text files in which the browser stores data from visited sites. Websites use cookies to “recognize” their visitors (for example, to avoid asking for their username and password every time they go to the site).

Trackers (or third-party cookies) are small pieces of the site's software code. When you open a site, the tracker loads automatically, collects information (such as your location, device type, or IP address), and sends it back to its owner. A tracker can be hosted both by the site administrator and by site partners. For example, the site that you're viewing has an ad banner from http://www.example.org. This banner sends your browser a cookie that stores information about your activity on the site. If you visit another site with an ad banner from http://www.example.org, the ad network makes a connection between these visits.

Trackers can be used in different ways.

Examples of proper use
  • Site owners can use trackers to estimate how many visitors come to the site, where they're from, and what devices they use. This data can help them optimize the site for audience needs.
  • Trackers let you use the same login or social network widget on different sites.

Trackers from sites that you visited yourself (such as social networks) are most likely used in good faith.

Examples of malicious use

Malicious tracker owners may collect the personal data that you enter on a website, such as your phone number or email address, and sell it to third parties. As a result, you may receive emails with unwanted ads or get annoying calls from advertisers who you never gave your phone number to.

In most browsers, you can block malicious trackers. For example, Yandex Browser uses special technology YTP.