An evercookie is a type of cookie that is designed to be extremely difficult to delete. Unlike regular cookies, which can be easily deleted by the user through their web browser settings, evercookies are designed to persist even after the user has attempted to delete them. This is accomplished through a variety of techniques, such as storing the cookie in multiple locations on the user's device, using Flash and Silverlight objects to store the cookie, and even encoding the cookie data into the user's browser history.
The purpose of an evercookie is to allow a website to track the user's activities and preferences even if the user has attempted to delete the cookie. This can be used for a variety of purposes, such as to personalize the user's experience on the website, to serve targeted advertisements, or to collect data for market research. However, the use of evercookies has also raised privacy concerns, as it can potentially allow a website to track a user's activities without their knowledge or consent.
The evercookie was created by a developer named Samy Kamkar in 2010. Kamkar created the evercookie as a proof-of-concept to demonstrate the potential for a website to track users even after they had deleted their cookies. Kamkar's intention was to raise awareness about the potential for websites to track users in this way, and to encourage users to take steps to protect their privacy online.
Kamkar released the code for the evercookie publicly, and it was quickly adopted by some websites as a way to track users more effectively. However, the use of evercookies also raised concerns about privacy, and some web browsers have since implemented measures to block or detect the use of evercookies. Despite this, the evercookie continues to be used by some websites, and it remains a potential threat to online privacy.
An evercookie works by using a variety of techniques to store the cookie data in multiple locations on the user's device. This makes it difficult for the user to delete the cookie, as they would need to delete it from all of the locations where it is stored.
One common technique used by evercookies is to store the cookie data in the user's browser history. This is done by encoding the cookie data into the URL of a web page that the user visits. When the user later visits that page again, the evercookie can retrieve the data from the URL and restore the cookie.
Another technique used by evercookies is to store the cookie data in other types of files on the user's device. This can include using Flash and Silverlight objects to store the cookie data, as well as using HTML5's local storage feature. These methods can make it difficult for the user to delete the cookie, as they may not be aware of all of the locations where the cookie data is stored.
There are several different types of evercookies that use different techniques to store the cookie data in multiple locations on the user's device. Some common types of evercookies include:
Overall, there are various types of evercookies that use different techniques to make it difficult for the user to delete the cookie and continue tracking the user's activities.
Evercookies are designed to track users' activities and preferences, and to persist even after the user has attempted to delete their cookies. This can potentially allow a website to track a user's activities without their knowledge or consent, which can be a concern for some people.
On the other hand, not all websites use evercookies, and many web browsers have implemented measures to block or detect the use of evercookies. Additionally, users can take steps to protect their privacy online, such as using privacy-focused web browsers, clearing their cookies and other data regularly, and using privacy-enhancing tools such as VPNs.
Whether or not you should worry about evercookies depends on your personal level of concern about online privacy and your willingness to take steps to protect your privacy online.
Because of the way Evercookies are designed, it can be difficult to delete them completely. However, there are some steps you can take to try to remove Evercookies from your computer.
One way to delete an Evercookie is to use a cookie manager or cleaner tool to scan your computer for cookies and delete any that are found. These tools are designed to search for and remove cookies, including Evercookies, from your computer. Another option is to use your web browser's privacy settings to delete cookies and other data. Most web browsers allow you to clear your cookies and browsing history, which can help to remove Evercookies from your computer.
It's important to note, however, that even if you delete an Evercookie, it is possible for the website or service that placed the cookie on your computer to recreate it the next time you visit their site. Because of this, it's important to regularly clear your cookies and browsing history to help prevent tracking.
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