How to Navigate Cookie Deprecation — Ask an Analyst

Jon Cairo, Lead Solutions Engineer at Elevar, answers questions about browser cookie deprecation, ” Regarding cookie deprecation- how does leveraging a tool like Elevar actually help aid us in this transition as we move into a cookieless world?”

Are Browser Cookies Going Away For Good?

In short, the answer is no. There is a common misconception that cookies are going away. This isn’t true – at least not entirely.

Although certain browsers and devices have limitations regarding cookies, it’s important to note that there are two types of cookies.

Third-party cookies, which Safari stopped supporting years ago, and first-party cookies, which are foundational to the way the internet works.

Safari users have been living in a third-party cookie-less world since 2020.

If you do any analysis on Safari traffic (likely 50% of your site traffic) you are already in the “cookie-less” environment you’re reading about in the news.

Learn about what first-party and third-party cookies are and the differences between the two.

What Are Third-Party Cookies?

Third-party cookies originate from servers or domains that are external to a website a user is visiting.

Developed for advertising purposes, third-party cookies retarget users with ads as they go from one website to another.

Third-party cookies are deprecating in use as fewer and fewer devices and browsers support this method of data collection.

What Are First-Party Cookies?

First-party cookies originate from a domain a user is visiting. They allow host domains to collect and store data when a user is on their website.

If you run or publish a website, you can add a line of JavaScript code to your website to track user data and provide your customers or users with a better experience. This line of code added to your website is known as first-party cookies.

As mentioned above, first-party cookies are a foundational component of the internet. For this reason, first-party cookies are here to stay.

How Elevar Helps

When you implement server-side tracking with Elevar, you are able to capture first-party data from your website.

Elevar works by leveraging first-party cookies and relies on a mechanism that allows highly durable and long lasting first-party cookies. This means you can track high quality user data for longer periods of time.

And, Elevar stores information offsite, allowing you to break free from some of the restrictions cookies impose.

Final Thoughts

While third-party cookies are declining in usability, first-party cookies are a steadfast method for collecting user data on your website.

Elevar harnesses the power of first-party cookies for data collection through server-side tracking.

Learn how setting up a server-side integration with Elevar allows you to collect nearly 100% of your conversion and customer data.

Have other questions about cookies or data collection? We’re here to help! Schedule a call with us.