Cookies are text files with small pieces of data — like a username and password — that are used to identify your computer as you use a computer network. Specific cookies known as HTTP cookies are used to identify specific users and improve your web browsing experience.
Data stored in a cookie is created by the server upon your connection. This data is labeled with an ID unique to you and your computer.
When the cookie is exchanged between your computer and the network server, the server reads the ID and knows what information to specifically serve to you.
Different types of cookies – Magic Cookies and HTTP Cookies
- Magic Cookies
- HTTP Cookies
Cookies generally function the same but have been applied to different use cases:
“Magic cookies” are an old computing term that refers to packets of information that are sent and received without changes. Commonly, this would be used for a login to computer database systems, such as a business internal network. This concept predates the modern “cookie” we use today.
HTTP cookies are a repurposed version of the “magic cookie” built for internet browsing. Web browser programmer Lou Montulli used the “magic cookie” as inspiration in 1994. He recreated this concept for browsers when he helped an online shopping store fix their overloaded servers.
The HTTP cookie is what we currently use to manage our online experiences. It is also what some malicious people can use to spy on your online activity and steal your personal info.
To explain, you’ll want to understand exactly what are internet cookies and why do they matter?
When you use and access the Site, we may place a number of cookies files in your web browser.
Coursera uses or may use cookies and/or web beacons to help us determine and identify repeat visitors, the type of content and sites to which a user of our Site links, the length of time each user spends at any particular area of our Site, and the specific functionalities that users choose to use. To the extent that cookies data constitutes personally identifiable information, we process such data as set out in our Privacy Notice.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be activated by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be activated on our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience fewer targeted advertisements.
How to Manage Cookies
How can I opt-out of cookies?
You can opt-out of targeting cookies by clicking on the “Manage Preferences” button on the cookie banner at the bottom of the website homepage. In addition, you can choose to have your browser notify you when cookies are being written to your computer or accessed, or you can disable/block cookies entirely using the features provided in your browser’s settings.
Please see the following links with instructions on how to disable cookies on your browser:
- Disabling Cookies in Chrome
- Disabling Cookies in Safari
- Disabling Cookies in Internet Explorer
- Disabling Cookies in Firefox
NOTE: If you decide to opt-out of or disable cookies, you may not be able to use all of our website features or some features may break.
How can I update my cookie preferences?
If at any time you want to update your cookie settings, you will need to clear/delete all cookies from your browser. Once you clear/delete your cookies, the cookie banner will re-appear on the bottom of your browser window. From this banner, you can click “Manage Preferences” to update your cookie settings. Please see the following links with instructions on how to clear your cookies:
- Clearing Cookies in Chrome
- Clearing Cookies in Safari
- Clearing Cookies in Internet Explorer
- Clearing Cookies in Firefox
NOTE: If you decide to opt-out of or disable cookies, you may not be able to use all of our website features or some features may break.