What you can do to protect your privacy when cookies are used

Adjusting the settings in your browser

You can adjust the privacy settings of many browsers to ensure that you share fewer data with websites that you visit. In some browsers, you can also choose to block some cookies automatically. Do you want to be tracked as little as possible by cookies? How you can arrange this varies for each browser.

• Google Chrome: View the instructions on the website of Google. Under ‘Managing your tracking security’, Google explains how you can automatically block third-party cookies.
• Safari: View the instructions on the website of Apple for the iPhone, iPad and Mac.
• Microsoft Edge: View the instructions on the website of Microsoft.
• Firefox: View the instructions on the website of Mozilla.

Extensions for your browser

There are several extensions to protect your privacy against cookies. You can find and install extensions through the shop of your browser:

• Google Chrome: Go to the Chrome Web Store.
• Safari: Open the App Store on your Mac, iPad or iPhone and look for extensions for Safari.
• Microsoft Edge: Go to the Microsoft Edge Add-ons page.
• Firefox: Go to the Firefox Add-ons page.

Note: Not all extensions are reliable. Only install extensions of well-known and reliable developers. Do some research, therefore, before you install an extension.

Extensions for cookies

There are extensions that automatically accept or refuse cookies for you. You can indicate this in the settings of the extension. An example of this is the extension Consent-o-Matic. This free extension was made by the University of Aarhus (Denmark). The source code of this extension is publicly available. Everyone can therefore see and check exactly how the extension works.

Know what you accept

Does a website or an app ask for your cookie preferences? Make a conscious choice then. Often you can choose which cookies you do or do not accept. Refusing non-necessary cookies may help protect your privacy better. Read more about the types of cookies on the page What are cookies?.

Tips for making a conscious choice

• Read the cookie notification carefully. Take some time to see which cookies the website or app wants to place on your device. And why. You can also read the cookie statement or privacy statement of the website or app. Here you can read how the website or app handles your data. And whether the website or app shares your data with third parties.
• You do not have to click ‘Accept cookies’ immediately. You can indicate in the settings which cookies you do and do not allow. Ask yourself if you want trackers to track your online behaviour. Do you not want this? Accept only necessary cookies then.

Withdrawing your consent in hindsight

Do you want to withdraw your previously given consent? Many websites have an option to change your cookie preferences. This option can often be found at the bottom of the website and is called ‘Change cookie preferences’ or something like that. You can use this option to adjust your cookie preferences for this website.

Deleting cookies

It is good for your privacy to delete cookies regularly from your device. How you do this varies for each browser.

• Google Chrome: View the instructions on the website of Google.
• Safari: View the instructions on the websites of Apple for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
• Microsoft Edge: View the instructions on the website of Microsoft.
• Firefox: View the instructions on the website of Mozilla.

Are you logged in to some websites by default? After erasing the cookies you will have to log in again.

Automatically erasing cookies

Some browsers can erase your cookies automatically. For example, after one day, or each time you close the browser. You can set this yourself. The instructions for this vary for each browser. We therefore recommend that you take a look at the settings of your browser. Search for terms like ‘cookies’, ‘tracking’ or ‘browse data’ in the settings menu. Extensions that can automatically delete cookies are also available.

Using your privacy rights

Privacy is a fundamental right. That is why you can make a request to advertising companies, websites and apps to gain insight into the data they have about you. And to have these data deleted. You do this through these two privacy rights:

1. Right of access: this right gives you more grip on your personal data. When an organisation processes your personal data, you may ask the organisation which data these are. See the page Right of access for more information.
2. Right to erasure of data: does an organisation not have a good reason (anymore) to process your personal data? Then the organisation will have to delete these data. Note: You cannot always have your personal data deleted. See the page Right to erasure of data for more information.