What are cookies, and why do websites use them?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on a user's device when they visit a website. These files contain information such as login credentials, site preferences, and browsing history. Websites use cookies to improve the user experience by remembering a user's settings and preferences.

Cookies are also used for tracking user behavior on a website. This can help website owners to understand how users interact with their site and to deliver more relevant content and advertising. Third-party cookies are used by advertising companies to track users across different websites and deliver targeted ads.

Some cookies are necessary for the basic functioning of a website, such as those used for authentication and security. However, some cookies can be used for more invasive tracking and profiling of users, which has led to concerns about privacy and security.