What happens if you click on “Accept all cookies”?
When visiting almost every modern website, you will be confronted with a cookie banner. Quickly clicking “Accept all cookies” is the most convenient way for many to get rid of the annoying pop-up. But what is actually behind it – and what consequences does this click have for your privacy?
What are cookies anyway?
Cookies are small pieces of data that websites store on your device. They serve different purposes:
- Technically necessary cookies ensure that websites function technically correctly (e.g. save shopping cart).
- Comfort cookies remember your settings (e.g. language or login).
- Marketing and tracking cookies often come from advertising networks and track your browsing behavior across different websites.
What happens after the jump?
By clicking on “Accept all”, you give the website and often also numerous external partners (e.g. advertising providers, statistics services) consent to store all types of cookies on your device and to collect data about your behaviour. In concrete terms, this means:
- Your surfing behaviour is tracked : which pages you visit, what you click on, how long you stay there.
- User profiles are created, which are often linked to other data (e.g. social media accounts, e-mail addresses).
- This data may be shared with third parties , mostly for personalized advertising or analytics purposes.
- Ad networks can now show you highly targeted ads.
Benefits and Risks of Accepting
Advantages:
- Convenience: Settings are saved, websites often work more smoothly.
- Personalized offers or recommendations.
Risks:
- Loss of privacy: Your activities on the Internet are traceable for companies, advertising networks and analysis companies.
- Targeted influence: Advertising and content are tailored specifically to your usage profile, which has the potential for manipulation.
- Disclosure: Your data ends up not only with the originally visited site, but often with many third-party providers (often abroad).
- Long-term storage: Profiles can be maintained and expanded over the years.
Why are the reject buttons often hidden?
Providers have an interest in the broadest possible consent. That’s why the “Accept all” button is usually conspicuous and easy to reach, while the rejection is made more difficult (e.g. by small font or many selection clicks). This is calculated – your data is valuable.
What data is typically collected?
- Websites visited and their order
- Times/dwell time
- Clicks, scrolling and search behavior
- Device information (browser, operating system, screen size)
- Rough location data
- Login details if you use a user account
How can you protect yourself?
- Delete cookies regularly (in the browser or with the help of anti-tracking software).
- Allow only necessary cookies: Many banners allow for targeted selection – use these options!
- Adjust browser settings: Block third-party cookies.
- Use private mode or surf with data-saving browser add-ons.
Conclusion
Clicking on “Accept all cookies” often reveals more than you think: they make your digital behavior transparent and allow advertising and analytics companies to create comprehensive (and long-lasting) profiles about you. Therefore, use cookie banners consciously and weigh convenience against privacy. Your data is your digital footprint – protect it wherever possible.
