Essential cookies are crucial for the basic functionality of a website. They enable features such as page navigation, secure login, and access to specific areas of the site. Without these cookies, many websites would be unable to operate effectively. For instance, session cookies keep track of user interactions, ensuring that their activity is remembered as they navigate between pages. This is particularly important for e-commerce sites, where maintaining a shopping cart or completing a secure transaction depends on these cookies. Since they do not track users for marketing or analytics, essential cookies are generally considered necessary for delivering the intended user experience.
Articles on the Website may include embedded content (e.g. maps, images, videos, charts, etc.). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor had visited the other website. These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracing your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website.
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), website owners must be transparent about their use of cookies, including essential cookies. They are required to inform users clearly about the types of cookies in use, their purpose, and how long the data will be retained. Additionally, users must be given the option to consent to non-essential cookies, such as those used for tracking or advertising. Essential cookies, however, can typically be used without prior consent, as they are necessary for the website's operation. To comply with GDPR, a detailed cookie policy should be easily accessible, explaining these practices in plain and understandable language. This ensures that users are aware of how their data is handled and builds trust between the website and its visitors.