Exploring the Evolution and Impact of Cookies in Digital Technology

Introduction The advent of digital technology has brought forth numerous innovations that have transformed the way we interact with the internet. Among these innovations, cookies have emerged as a key component in the functionality of websites and online services. This report aims to explore the evolution of cookies in digital technology, tracing their origins, development, and the significant impact they have had on user experience, privacy, and the overall digital landscape. By examining the technical underpinnings of cookies, their various types, and the regulatory frameworks that have emerged to govern their use, this paper seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of cookies and their role in shaping digital interactions.

Evolution of Cookies Cookies were first introduced in 1994 by Lou Montulli, a web developer at Netscape Communications Corporation. Initially designed to enable stateful sessions on the stateless HTTP protocol, cookies allowed websites to remember user preferences and maintain session information. This was particularly significant for e-commerce sites, as it enabled users to add items to