Cookies on the Internet: Surf safely or risk data disclosure?

Cookies on the Internet: Surf safely or risk data disclosure?

Today is August 11, 2025 and there are a variety of exciting events in Cologne that you shouldn't miss. As VfL reports, the city offers everything this week - from sport to culture. For everyone who is interested in the exciting world of sports, there are various games on the program that will make every fan's heart beat faster.

But there is also news outside of sports that affects our digital world. The topic of data protection in particular is becoming increasingly relevant, not least due to the discussion about cookies. According to the consumer advice center, cookies are now essential for the internet experience. For example, they enable online shopping and online banking because they remember the shopping cart for the duration of the session and make websites easier to use.

The diverse world of cookies

But not all cookies are the same. While session cookies are deleted after the browser session, there are the infamous tracking cookies. These track digital behavior across different websites and thus pose a certain risk to security. Persistent cookies in particular can store sensitive data, which can be problematic for users. Do you doubt it? Third parties usually pass on these cookies to deliver personalized advertising - and this is where things often become unclear for us as users.

Recognizing these challenges, the EU has introduced clear data protection guidelines. The E-Privacy Directive and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are central elements that are intended to promote the responsible handling of personal data. Website operators are obliged to obtain the consent of users before using non-technically necessary cookies. A clear “reject all” option in the cookie banner is now standard.

Protecting our children online

The EU is not only committed to protecting general users, but also focuses particularly on young people. About a third of internet users are children, who are at risk from cyberbullying, data breaches and other risks. With the “Better Internet for Kids” (BIK+) strategy, the EU aims to support and strengthen children more safely in the digital space.

This strategy follows three central pillars: protecting children from harmful content, empowering them to present themselves safely and promoting child-friendly activities that enable innovative digital experiences. It is crucial that children develop the skills necessary to make confident decisions in the digital space.

At a time when children are going online at an increasingly early age and are confronted with the challenges of the digital world, protecting their privacy and security remains a top priority. The EU has made it its mission to ensure this while at the same time creating a creative and safe space for the youngest in our society.

For further details and current dates, please visit VfL and Ververbraucherzentrale. Facts about the EU's digital strategy can be found at EU Digital Strategy.