What does a cookie banner do?

Nearly every website has a cookie banner that asks you to accept or decline before you can carry on viewing the website. But why? what do they actually do?

I want you to imagine that the cookie banner is the bouncer to a club and you are a celebrity. You walk up to him and he says "Hey, there are a bunch of paparazzi wanting to get in and take pictures of you, should I let them?

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Accept:

The paparazzi follow you in through the door, watch and take photos of everything you do, who you talk to and what your favourite drink is, and yes they will also follow you to the bathroom.

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Decline:

The paparazzi stays outside and waits around for you to change your mind.

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But what's the point?

The paparazzi will go back to their employer with all this information and then the employer can make business decisions on how to make your experience more enjoyable in the future. In some cases (but not all) they can use this information to create targeted ads or send you offers.

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So, should you Accept or Decline?

Well, this is totally up to you. If you want more offers/deals and help improve the experience for yourself and others then click accept.

If you want to remain anonymous and go at your own pace then click decline or see all preferences and turn all the buttons off.

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Can companies get in trouble?

Yes, in EU (including uk) there is a GPDR law that says that you must be given the option as to if you let in the paparazzi or not. If they sneak in the back without you knowing then the company can get in trouble with the law.