Google’s shift from cookies to other forms of tracking tools that can help advertisers has been known for a long time. But Google has repeatedly pushed back the date, originally planned for 2022, for the switch away from cookies. Now they are postponing the shift once again, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The cookie-free future is now expected to arrive in 2025 at the earliest. The reason for Google’s announcement is continued problems in agreeing with British authorities on the way forward. Google’s alternative, a closed sandbox (privacy sandbox), is criticized for allowing precise tracking of individuals.
Cookies, especially so-called third-party cookies, are somewhat simplified a tracking tool that collects information about online users and that “follows” the person who surfs various sites. The information forms the basis of Google’s massive advertising network.