What Is an Opt-out Cookie?
Opt-out cookies help you block third-party advertisements. Here's how to use them to your benefit.
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Opt-out cookies are essentially cookies used to avoid cookies. When a website creates an opt-out cookie in your browser folder, it enables you to block that same website from installing future cookies.
We'll go over reasons to use opt-out cookies, drawbacks to using opt-out cookies, and how to block cookies altogether with the best ad blockers.
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Total Adblock
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Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including Facebook and YouTube ads
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Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
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Improves page load times and enables faster browsing
Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including Facebook and YouTube ads
Why should I use opt-out cookies?
The opt-out cookie tells the website not to install third-party advertiser cookies or other types of cookies on your browser. This prevents the third-party ad server from tracking your page preferences within a website or among websites within their network.
Other reasons to use opt-out cookies include telling the website that you don't want to participate in any type of online profiling or having your browsing history tracked. Many of the biggest third-party ad-serving companies offer opt-out cookies.
You can find a full list of third-party ad networks that offer opt-out cookies on the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) site and you can use its opt-out tool for online ads.
How to use opt-out cookies
To comply with data privacy legislation, websites need to be super transparent about what consumer data is collected and how that data is shared and used. There are a few ways to opt-out.
- The most direct way to use opt-out cookies is to decline the use of cookies when prompted by a website.
- An alternative method is to block cookies on your preferred browser. To generally block cookies from all sites or specific sites, you can manage your cookies via your browser's cookie settings.
- You can also block cookies by using an ad blocker or a virtual private network (VPN) with an ad-blocking feature. Along with blocking ads, ad blockers can minimize or stop trackers, stop malicious files from downloading, block annoying pop-up ads, block unwanted cookies, and more. All of which helps you maintain your privacy online.
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NordVPN Threat Protection
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Stops intrusive ads before they can even load, improving browsing experience and speed
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Identifies malware-ridden files and protects against visiting malicious websites
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Encrypts your data and blocks third-party trackers for increased security and privacy
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Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking
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Blocks ads, banners, and pop-ups on your browser and apps, including smart TVs
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Enjoy boosted browsing speeds and save money on mobile data with its effective ad-blocking capabilities
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Added benefit of a VPN to encrypt your data, hide your IP address, avoid phishing scams, and minimize malware risks
Are there drawbacks to using opt-out cookies?
The drawback to using opt-out cookies is that they are site-specific. They can only block cookies from a specific server and won't block cookies from other websites. To make sure you're covered, it's recommended to set your browser's privacy settings and use a top-notch ad blocker.
Total Adblock
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Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including Facebook and YouTube ads
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Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
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Improves page load times and enables faster browsing
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