What are cookies?
A cookie is information saved by your web browser. When you visit a website, the site may place a cookie on your web browser so it can recognize your device in the future. If you return to that site later on, it can read that cookie to remember you from your last visit and keep track of you over time.
Uses
- collect information about the pages you view and your activities on the site
- enable the site to recognize you, for example by:
- remembering your user ID
- offering an online shopping cart
- keeping track of your preferences if you visit the website again
- customize your browsing experience
- deliver ads targeted to you
The cookie transmits this information back to the website's computer (or server). You can set your web browser to warn you about attempts to place cookies on your computer or to limit the type of cookies you allow. For more information, please see the FTC's guidance on cookies and other forms of online tracking.
Two general types
Single-Session cookies
- help with navigation on the website
- only record information temporarily and are erased when the user quits the session or closes the browser
- are enabled by default in order to provide the smoothest navigation experience possible
- are known as Tier 1 technologies under applicable government guidance
Persistent/Multi-Session cookies
- remain on your computer and record information every time you visit some websites
- are stored on the hard drive of your computer until you manually delete them from a browser folder, or until they expire, which can be months or years after they were placed on your computer
- are used by the FTC solely to provide analysis of site use and to maintain access quality for users; capture only a unique, randomly assigned identifier for each user and do not send or receive information on non-FTC websites
- are known as Tier 2 technologies under applicable government guidance
The FTC makes some of its services and information available via third-party websites, which have different privacy policies and may use persistent cookies. We provide additional information regarding the third-party services used by the FTC. Please note that you do not need to use these third-party services to communicate and interact with the FTC.
Single-Session (Tier 1) Cookies
| FTC Site | Purpose | Vendor Involved in Cookie Placement | Alternative (if you disable cookies) |
| www.ftc.gov | to provide users the ability to watch FTC video content embedded in a FTC web page | Vimeo | Users will be unable to play embedded Vimeo videos |
| www.ftc.gov consumer.ftc.gov consumidor.ftc.gov | to enable a customer satisfaction survey and store basic information about user interaction with the site | Verint | You can also provide feedback regarding www.ftc.gov or share questions or concerns by emailing webmaster@ftc.gov(link sends e-mail). Please write “Verint” in the subject line of the email. |
| bulkorder.ftc.gov | to enable consumers to submit the complaint form | U.Group | The same publications are available at www.ftc.gov, and individuals may print and use materials directly from the website. |
| reportfraud.ftc.gov reportefraude.ftc.gov | to enable a customer satisfaction survey and store basic information about user interaction with the site | Leidos | You can also register your complaint by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). |
| reportfraud.ftc.gov reportefraude.ftc.gov | to enable a customer satisfaction survey and store basic information about user interaction with the site | Verint | You can also provide feedback regarding reportfraud.ftc.gov and reportefraud.ftc.gov or share questions or concerns by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). |
| www.telemarketing.donotcall.gov | to enable telemarketers, sellers and other entities accessing the site to move from one secure Web page to another without having to log in to each page | Leidos | For more privacy information regarding the Telemarketer’s Do Not Call site, visit the Privacy Act Statement page. |
| URLs are case-specific and temporary | to allow consumers to file redress claims | Analytics Inc. Epiq Systems JND Legal Administration Rust Consulting Simpluris Inc. | Consumers can also call the phone numbers listed on the FTC Refund Programs page to request claim forms. |
| www.consumersentinel.gov | to provide streamlined navigation and site language selection | Leidos | For more privacy information regarding the Consumer Sentinel site, visit the Privacy Policy page. |
| www.identitytheft.gov www.robodeidentidad.gov | to enable consumers to submit the complaint form | Leidos | You can also register your complaint by calling 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338). |
Persistent/Multi-Session (Tier 2) cookies
| FTC Site | Purpose | Vendor Involved in Cookie Placement | Alternative (if you disable cookies) |
| www.ftc.gov bulkorder.ftc.gov consumer.ftc.gov consumidor.ftc.gov | Prevents users from receiving a survey invitation if they have completed the survey in the last 30 days | Verint | You can also provide feedback regarding www.ftc.gov or share questions or concerns by emailing webmaster@ftc.gov(link sends e-mail). Please write “Verint” in the subject line of the email. |
| www.donotcall.gov | Prevents users from receiving a survey invitation if they have completed the survey in the last 30 days | Verint | You can also provide feedback regarding www.donotcall.gov or share questions or concerns by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) |
| www.identitytheft.gov | Prevents users from receiving a survey invitation if they have completed the survey in the last 30 days | Verint | You can also provide feedback regarding identitytheft.gov or share questions or concerns by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) |
| reportfraud.ftc.gov reportefraude.ftc.gov | Prevents users from receiving a survey invitation if they have completed the survey in the last 30 days | Verint | You can also provide feedback regarding reportfraud.ftc.gov or share questions or concerns by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) |
| [event name here].videoshowcase.net | Generates a random number to identify unique visitors that view live FTC webcasts; does not collect PII | OpenExchange | You can watch all live FTC webcasts with your cookies disabled. |
| www.ftc.gov www.donotcall.gov www.identitytheft.gov www.robodeidentidad.gov bulkorder.ftc.gov consumer.ftc.gov consumer.gov consumidor.ftc.gov consumidor.gov econsumer.gov foiaxpresspal.ftc.gov oig.ftc.gov reportfraud.ftc.gov reportefraude.ftc.gov rn.ftc.gov | Provides measures of website traffic and assesses how visitors use the site, distinguishing unique users | Google, Inc. (via General Services Administration’s Digital Analytics Program) | None |
Last updated January 2025