Google explores the phase out of cookies
As browser providers begin to add more automatic cookie blockers as part of their features and debates heat up over privacy and what cookies do with your information, it makes sense that Google looks to the next step to deal with these issues.
And for those of us who just mastered AdWords Certification programs, hearing that Google is exploring the end of cookie usage stops one in their tracks, or trackers. According to a Wall Street Journal article, Google is considering a switch to a system that would create its own anonymous identifier for each individual.
Google said, “We believe that technological enhancements can improve users’ security while ensuring the Web remains economically viable. We and other have number of concepts in this area, but they’re very early stages.”
Well, we know how fast things move on Internet time and if Google, the largest search provider, moves ahead it will certainly shake up the $120 billion online-advertising industry, which relies on the cookie to target and deliver advertising.
This new strategy could force advertisers to turn to Google to get information about people’s shopping habits and preferences rather than tracking it themselves. Essentially, the data about users will reside in the hands of a few.
Maybe I won’t re-up my AdWords Certification just yet.