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. Under DPDP, every company must tell you what they have and delete it if you ask. One email is all it takes.
Get the template email →We investigated 107 Indian company websites. The public report shows what we found.