What Are Session Cookies?

Session cookies are a type of first-party cookies. They enable the websites you visit to keep track of your movement from page to page so you don't get asked for the same information you've already given to the site. We'll dive into exactly what session cookies are, what they're used for, and how to clear your cookies.

What is a cookie?

Internet cookies (also called web cookies) are tiny files (which may or may not be encrypted) that store data. 

The two main types of cookies are first-party cookies and third-party cookies. First-party cookies aim to improve your online user experience of each particular website, whereas third-party cookies are primarily used for tracking and advertising purposes.

Without a cookie, every time you open a new web page, the server where that page is stored will treat you like a completely new visitor.

Session cookies (also known as transient cookies or non-persistent cookies) are a type of first-person cookie, and they are considered necessary for the website to function. For that reason, you do not need to consent to using them.

Why are session cookies used?

Websites typically use session cookies to ensure that you are recognized when you move from page to page within one site and that any information you have entered is remembered. Session cookies allow you to proceed through a website without having to authenticate or reprocess each new page you navigate. You can be recognized within a website, so any page changes or item or data selection you do is remembered from page to page.

The most common example of this functionality is the shopping cart feature of any ecommerce site. When you visit one page of a catalog and select some items, the session cookie remembers your selection, so your shopping cart will have the items you selected when you are ready to check out. If an ecommerce site did not use session cookies, then items placed in a shopping basket would disappear by the time you reach the checkout.

However, session cookies are considered temporary because browsing data is not permanently stored in your browser. These temporary cookie files are deleted once you close your browser. (They differ from persistent cookies, which are not removed by simply closing your browser.)

Common types of session cookies

• Online shopping cart
• User authentication
• Language preferences
• Site preferences

Do I need to consent to session cookies?

No. Session cookies are a type of first-party cookie and are considered necessary for traffic flow to a website. These types of cookies are considered necessary for a website to function as intended. Necessary cookies may not require explicit consent based on legislation that requires websites to disclose their cookies and prompt users to "opt-in."

This is why data privacy regulators, like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), allow websites to bypass gaining consent to use session cookies. However, it's becoming increasingly popular for websites to have a cookie consent banner on startup anyway.

How do I manage cookies?

While cookies are generally helpful, too much of a good thing can slow down your computer. It's important to manage your cookies routinely for maximum productivity. One way to take control of your cybersecurity is by learning how to disable cookies in your web browser. We wrote a full guide on how to manage your cookies with this strategy.

Alternatively, you can block cookies and unwanted trackers by using an ad blocker.