What are third-party cookies, and why do they matter?
Third-party cookies explained simply: how they differ from normal cookies, how they track you across Indian websites, and how to block them.
The simple answer
A first-party cookie is set by the site you are visiting, often for basic things like staying logged in. A third-party cookie is set by someone else, usually an advertising or tracking company embedded in the page.
Third-party cookies are what let trackers follow you from site to site. Blocking them is one of the simplest ways to reduce cross-site tracking, though it is not the only tracking method.
What to check
If this is unclear, treat it as a signal to ask the company for a plain-English explanation.
If this is unclear, treat it as a signal to ask the company for a plain-English explanation.
If this is unclear, treat it as a signal to ask the company for a plain-English explanation.
If this is unclear, treat it as a signal to ask the company for a plain-English explanation.
Third-party cookies follow you around.
State of Privacy looks at cross-site tracking because third-party cookies, and newer methods, let companies connect your activity across many different websites.
What to do next
Keep it practical: take one action, save proof, and avoid giving more data than the task needs.
Keep it practical: take one action, save proof, and avoid giving more data than the task needs.
Keep it practical: take one action, save proof, and avoid giving more data than the task needs.
People also ask
What is the difference between first and third party cookies?
First-party cookies come from the site you visit; third-party cookies come from other companies embedded in the page, often for tracking.
Are third-party cookies bad?
They are mainly used for cross-site tracking and ads, so many people choose to block them.
Does blocking them stop all tracking?
No. Other methods like fingerprinting and server-side tracking exist, so blocking helps but is not complete.
How many trackers run on your pages? Does your privacy policy name them? Can you answer a data-rights email? If you don't know, we can help you find out.
Talk to Meridian Bridge Strategy →Your personal data belongs to you. You can ask a company what it holds and how to raise a privacy request. The response depends on the applicable duties, identity checks and any retention requirements.
Get the template email →The public report shows what we found in the company records. Check the observation dates and method.