Cookies are so ubiquitous on websites that most people don't even think twice before clicking whatever option will make them go away. However, it's worth it to take a closer look at what they say.

Many websites have pre-set their options to give consent to saving cookies, warn consumer protection agencies, even though there are court rulings in Europe that expressly prohibit such an action.

Cookies save data on the user's computer when he or she is browsing the Internet, allowing websites to recognise a return visitor, for example. A sample of 20 large online shops by a consumer agency in Germany found that half of them ignored the current guidelines and used confusing default settings that activated all cookie options.

A pre-set "yes" for cookie consent isn't allowed, explains the agency, as it doesn't have anything to do with true consent - no one has really read the long text about what they're used for exactly.

Even for sites that seem to offer more consent options, users must be careful: For example, on some sites, a prominently placed button allows all cookies, while the inconspicuous one allows fewer cookies.

However, it's not advisable to reject all cookies from being saved, as that turns off the shopping cart function while shopping online, for example. Blocking third-party cookies - those that have nothing to do with the site you're visiting - can be done via your browser.

 - dpa