Learn to block third-party cookies in your web browser, no matter which one you use, is a key element when it comes to protecting your privacy. Cookies are files that, despite their bad reputation, are essential for a dynamic and fluid browsing experience. Although privacy purists argue that these files are not positive, for the daily experience they can be convenient if you do not browse outside of very secure and common pages.
By blocking third-party cookies in your browser, you will have to type in all the details you need to fill out an online form every time you fill out an online form. This could be to log in to a social network or to access a web service that requires your username, password or date of birth.
Block third-party cookies for advertising purposes
One of the most criticized practices that invite block third-party cookies, is to generate advertising with your personal information about your browsing experience. These cookies are used in a pernicious, non-transparent manner and even totally abusing the privacy and the possibility of the user to select which ones they want to store or not.
To make progress on this issue and protect users, Google developed FLoC, a mechanism that overrides third-party cookies and improves the security of your personal data. This is an area where third-party cookies have always been questioned and there have been attempts to block their use. FLoC was not well received by other web browsers such as Mozilla, DuckDuck Go, Brave and Vivaldi, mainly due to the focus on development for Google Chrome. However, it is an interesting initiative to say the least for addressing cookies. As it does not have support from other browsers, it was set aside and the focus was on Topics.
What is Topics and how does it work to block third-party cookies?
Google's initiative with FLoC revolved around grouping users with similar interestsBut Topics aims to have the browser itself learn about the user's interests, and thus gradually replace the use of third-party cookies.
Third-party cookies do not belong to the website that is loaded on the web. They are responsible for displaying advertisements and in some cases also apply tracking functions. Thus, they can explore your history in search of terms and parameters to offer a glimpse of different publications, advertisements and proposals. Thus, cookies become a kind of justification for the Big Brother described by Orwell in his novel 1984. Following your tracks, interests and proposals.
With privacy concerns arousing, third-party cookies and the option to block their operation becomes very important. Each browser has its own mechanism to block their operation and prevent them from tracking your Internet habits, at least in an automated way.
Block third-party cookies in Google Chrome
El google browser Chrome is the most widely used browser in the world. Privacy advocates constantly attack it for its approach to cookies. It is a program derived from Chromium that is published as free software and with its three-clause BSD license allows the creation of proprietary derivatives. Chrome's source code is not available, so Google can introduce tracking mechanisms without the user knowing.
- To block third-party cookies in Google Chrome you have to access the Privacy and security section.
- In the settings section, go to Cookies and site data.
- Activate the Block third-party cookies option.
- The browser will warn you about the risks of blocking third-party cookies and you can confirm or reject the decision.
Mozilla Firefox
To deal with blocking and restricting third-party cookies, the Mozilla Firefox browser is a bit more complex. It also has the Total Cookie Protection feature enabled by default. This feature does not block cookies, but rather cross-tracking between different websites.
- In order to block third-party cookies, Firefox requires you to open the browser Settings and in the Privacy & Cookies section.
- Security choose Custom from Enhanced Tracking Protection.
- Indicate All third-party cookies from the Cookies menu options.
- Other additional settings that can be disabled include trackers, cryptominers, and fingerprinting.
Microsoft Edge
El Microsoft web browser It also includes options to restrict the scope of third-party cookies. It originally tried to present itself as a technological alternative to Firefox and Chromium, but it was not well received. Microsoft then turned to adopt Chromium and its user share remains stable. It is the second most used browser in the desktop sector, behind Chrome. In short, the two web browsers have a similar rendering engine, but the components are organized differently and the aesthetics are very different. To block third-party cookies in Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:
- Open the Main Menu.
- Select the Settings section and navigate to Cookies and site permissions.
- Under Cookies and stored data you will find the icon to block third-party cookies.
Block third-party cookies in Opera
Finally, the Opera web browser. Most commonly used by minority users and individual experiences. Many users have been lost in the transition from Chromium to Opera, but it remains a very solid proposition. Blocking third-party cookies here is done from the main menu.
- Activate the Go to full browser settings option.
- Within this menu, choose Privacy and Security on the left side.
- Select the Cookies and other site data menu.
- There you will find the option Block third-party cookies.
In this way, you can block third-party cookies on all major web browsers. This is a way to personalize and protect the privacy of your user experience, navigating between different initiatives in a matter of minutes. Try the browser that best suits your needs and how to personalize the experience.