Blocking trackers
Cookies can be first-party (your browser records data from visited sites to these files) or third-party cookies (also known as trackers).
What are trackers?
Trackers (or third-party cookies) are small pieces of the site's software code. When you open a site, the tracker loads automatically, collects information (such as your location, device type, or IP address), and sends it back to its owner. A tracker can be hosted both by the site administrator and by site partners. For example, the site that you're viewing has an ad banner from http://www.example.org. This banner sends your browser a cookie that stores information about your activity on the site. If you visit another site with an ad banner from http://www.example.org, the ad network makes a connection between these visits.
When you visit a site, a tracker automatically loads, collects your data (such as your location, the type of device you're using, or your IP address), and sends it to whoever owns the tracker.
The owner can use the tracker for many things.
Examples of proper use
- Site owners can use trackers to estimate how many visitors come to the site, where they're from, and what devices they use. This data can help them optimize the site for audience needs.
- Trackers let you use the same login or social network widget on different sites.
Trackers from sites that you visited yourself (such as social networks) are most likely used in good faith.
Examples of malicious use
Malicious tracker owners may collect the personal data that you enter on a website, such as your phone number or email address, and sell it to third parties. As a result, you may receive emails with unwanted ads or get annoying calls from advertisers who you never gave your phone number to.
In most browsers, you can block malicious trackers. For example, Yandex Browser uses a special technology called YTP.
Blocking trackers
Select your device type, operating system, and browser:
On a computer
On a mobile device
Troubleshooting
Error "The page isn't working. The website redirected you too many times"
Site doesn't work properly
Can't download file
On some sites, you may not be able to download files if you blocked third-party cookies. Try disabling tracker blocking completely and downloading the file again. After the file is downloaded, enable tracking protection again.