- Internet cookies help websites recognise returning users.
- Cookies let advertisers show more targeted ads to people.
- Many people now reject cookies or use private browsers.
- Researchers studied how removing cookies changes the web.
- They looked at many ad impressions from around the world.
- Removing cookies lowered the money websites get from ads.
- Websites try paywalls, subscriptions, or site logins to earn money.
- The change can make some parts of the web worse for users.
Difficult words
- cookie — Helps websites recognise returning users.Cookies
- advertiser — Shows ads to people on the web.advertisers
- browser — A program people use to view web pages.browsers
- researcher — A person who studies and looks at data.Researchers
- impression — One view or appearance of an online ad.impressions
- paywall — A website barrier that needs payment for access.paywalls
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you accept cookies on websites?
- Do you use a private browser when you go online?
- Would you pay for a website subscription?
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