{"id":8637,"date":"2026-05-28T23:46:04","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T21:46:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/?post_type=manual_kb&#038;p=8637"},"modified":"2026-06-09T23:56:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T21:56:45","slug":"why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage","status":"publish","type":"manual_kb","link":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Should a Website Inform Visitors About the Use of Cookies?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"translation-block translation-block-merged\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cookies play an important role in the functioning of modern websites. They help websites remember user preferences, keep users logged in, analyze traffic, and provide personalized experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because cookies can collect and process information about visitors, website owners are often required to inform users about their use and, in some cases, obtain consent before certain cookies are stored on a visitor&#8217;s device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#What_Are_Cookies\" >What Are Cookies?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#Why_Do_Websites_Use_Cookies\" >Why Do Websites Use Cookies?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#Essential_Website_Functions\" >Essential Website Functions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#Analytics_and_Performance_Monitoring\" >Analytics and Performance Monitoring<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#Marketing_and_Personalization\" >Marketing and Personalization<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#Why_Must_Users_Be_Informed\" >Why Must Users Be Informed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#Legal_Requirements\" >Legal Requirements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#What_Should_a_Cookie_Notice_Include\" >What Should a Cookie Notice Include?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#Benefits_of_Transparency\" >Benefits of Transparency<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#Builds_Trust\" >Builds Trust<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#Improves_Compliance\" >Improves Compliance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#Gives_Users_Control\" >Gives Users Control<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#Avoiding_Poor_Cookie_Practices\" >Avoiding Poor Cookie Practices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#Best_Practice_Use_a_Cookie_Preference_Center\" >Best Practice: Use a Cookie Preference Center<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/why-a-website-must-inform-users-about-cookie-usage\/#Summary\" >Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Cookies\"><\/span>What Are Cookies?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"mybox-2639964937\" class=\"mybox-content mybox-entity-placement\"><div class=\"early-access-banner-inpost\">\r\n  <div class=\"banner-left-inpost\">\r\n    <div class=\"icon-box-inpost\">\r\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/square-info-icon.svg\" alt=\"Info\">\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"text-box-inpost\">\r\n      <span class=\"label-inpost\"><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Early access<\/span><\/span>\r\n      <h4><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Still need help?<\/span><\/h4>\r\n      <p><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Contact our customer service team.<\/span><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"banner-right-inpost\">\r\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/panel.mybox.com\/helpdesk2\/v\/list\/\" class=\"banner-button-inpost\"><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Message us<\/span><\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"translation-block translation-block-merged\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cookies are small text files stored in a user&#8217;s web browser when they visit a website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They can be used for various purposes, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keeping users logged in<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remembering language preferences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Saving shopping cart contents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Analyzing website traffic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personalizing content and advertisements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cookies can be either temporary (session cookies) or remain on a device for a longer period (persistent cookies).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_Websites_Use_Cookies\"><\/span>Why Do Websites Use Cookies?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cookies help improve both website functionality and user experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common uses include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Essential_Website_Functions\"><\/span>Essential Website Functions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some cookies are necessary for a website to function correctly. Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>User authentication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shopping cart functionality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Security features<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Load balancing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without these cookies, certain website features may not work properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Analytics_and_Performance_Monitoring\"><\/span>Analytics and Performance Monitoring<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many website owners use analytics tools to understand how visitors interact with their websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Analytics cookies can help identify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Popular pages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visitor behavior<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traffic sources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website performance issues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Marketing_and_Personalization\"><\/span>Marketing and Personalization<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marketing cookies can be used to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Display personalized advertisements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Track advertising campaign performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build visitor profiles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deliver customized content<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because these cookies often process personal data, they are subject to stricter privacy requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Must_Users_Be_Informed\"><\/span>Why Must Users Be Informed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transparency is one of the fundamental principles of modern privacy regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visitors should know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What cookies are being used<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why they are being used<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who places them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How long they remain active<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether third parties have access to the collected data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Providing this information helps users make informed decisions about their privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legal_Requirements\"><\/span>Legal Requirements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many privacy regulations require websites to inform users about cookies and, in certain situations, obtain consent before storing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ePrivacy Directive (often referred to as the &#8220;Cookie Law&#8221;)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Similar privacy regulations in other countries and regions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In general, cookies that are strictly necessary for the operation of a website may be used without consent, while analytics, advertising, and marketing cookies often require user approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Should_a_Cookie_Notice_Include\"><\/span>What Should a Cookie Notice Include?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A proper cookie notice should clearly explain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What cookies are used<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The purpose of each category of cookies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether third-party services are involved<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How visitors can manage their preferences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A link to the website&#8217;s privacy policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visitors should also be able to change their cookie preferences later if they wish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Benefits_of_Transparency\"><\/span>Benefits of Transparency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being transparent about cookies offers several advantages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Builds_Trust\"><\/span>Builds Trust<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Users are more likely to trust websites that clearly explain how their information is collected and used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improves_Compliance\"><\/span>Improves Compliance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proper cookie notices help website owners comply with privacy regulations and reduce the risk of penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gives_Users_Control\"><\/span>Gives Users Control<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visitors can decide which categories of cookies they want to allow, improving their overall browsing experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avoiding_Poor_Cookie_Practices\"><\/span>Avoiding Poor Cookie Practices<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A cookie banner should inform visitors without being misleading or manipulative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good practices include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clear language<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy-to-understand options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equal visibility for accepting and rejecting non-essential cookies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simple access to cookie settings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid designs that pressure users into accepting cookies without understanding their choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Practice_Use_a_Cookie_Preference_Center\"><\/span>Best Practice: Use a Cookie Preference Center<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern websites often provide a cookie preference center where visitors can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Accept all cookies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reject non-essential cookies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose specific cookie categories<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Change their preferences at any time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This approach provides greater transparency and better compliance with privacy regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Informing visitors about cookies is not only an important privacy practice but also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A clear cookie notice helps users understand how their data is used, builds trust in your website, and supports compliance with privacy regulations. By providing transparent information and meaningful control over cookie preferences, website owners can create a better and more trustworthy online experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","manualknowledgebasecat":[25],"manual_kb_tag":[2722,2723,2725,2728,7032,7033,7034,7035,7036,7037],"class_list":["post-8637","manual_kb","type-manual_kb","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","manualknowledgebasecat-hosting","manual_kb_tag-cookie-notice","manual_kb_tag-cookie-consent","manual_kb_tag-cookie-banner","manual_kb_tag-privacy-policy","manual_kb_tag-cookie-policy","manual_kb_tag-cookie-preference-center","manual_kb_tag-cookie-settings","manual_kb_tag-cookie-management","manual_kb_tag-cookie-compliance","manual_kb_tag-cookie-law"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/8637","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/manual_kb"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/8637\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8638,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/8637\/revisions\/8638"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8637"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"manualknowledgebasecat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manualknowledgebasecat?post=8637"},{"taxonomy":"manual_kb_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb_tag?post=8637"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}