Depending on the entity who manages the domain from which the cookies are sent and the data is processed, two types can be distinguished:

First-party cookies: are installed directly by the website (ie domain) the user is visiting (ie the URL shown in the browser’s address bar). These cookies enable website owners to collect analytics data, remember language settings, and perform other useful functions that provide a good user experience.

Third-party cookies: are installed by third parties with the aim of collecting certain information from web users to carry out research into, for example, behaviour, demographics or spending habits. They are commonly used by advertisers who want to ensure that products and services are marketed towards the right target audience.

There is also a second classification according to the length of time they remain stored in the client’s browser, which may be:

Session cookies: also known as ‘temporary cookies’, help websites recognise users and the information provided when they navigate through a website. Session cookies only retain information about a user’s activities for as long as they are on the website. Once the web browser is closed, the cookies are deleted. These are commonly used on shopping websites or e-commerce websites.

Permanent cookies: also known as ‘persistent cookies’, remain in operation even after the web browser has closed. For example, they can remember login details and passwords so web users don’t need to re-enter them every time they use a site. The data stored in the terminal can be accessed and processed for a period defined by the person responsible for the cookie, which can range from a few minutes to several years.

Finally, there is another classification with five types of cookies according to the purpose for which the data obtained is processed:

Technical cookies: they allow the user to navigate through a website, platform or application and use the different options or services that exist in it, such as, for example, controlling traffic and data communication, identifying the session, access restricted parts, remember the elements that make up an order, carry out the purchase process of an order, make the request for registration or participation in an event, use security elements during navigation, store content for dissemination videos or sound or share content through social networks.

Personalisation cookies: they allow the user to access the service with some predefined general characteristics based on a series of criteria in the user’s terminal, such as the language, the type of browser through which the service is accessed, the regional configuration from where you access the service, etc.

Analytics cookies: they collect information that is used either to help understand how the website is being used to improve your experience or to measure and build statistical analysis about website audience.

Advertising cookies: they allow the management, in the most efficient way possible, of the advertising spaces.

Behavioural cookies: they store information on the behavior of users obtained through continuous observation of their browsing habits, which allows the development of a specific profile to display advertising based on it.