First- vs. Third-Party E-Commerce Cookies: Differences, Examples, and More

When a customer visits a website, everything from saving a shopping cart to recording data for metrics is controlled by cookies. Because cookies are individual to each visitor, they often gather personal information. The collection, use, and sharing of this information is governed by cookie consent laws like GDPR, and all websites must be compliant when serving users from certain jurisdictions.

There are two general categories of cookies: first-party and third-party. Each of these differs in their compliance requirements and personal data collection. It’s important to distinguish between the two to determine which your website needs to function properly.

What Are First-Party Cookies?

First-party cookies are cookies placed by a website and are used during the user’s visit only. Websites like e-commerce stores use such cookies for first-party session recording, account logins, shopping cart storage, and online billing.

These are strictly necessary cookies because they’re part of core website functionality and the website cannot provide its service without them. No user or other website can read or access the cookie information.

What Are Third-Party Cookies?

Third-party cookies are placed by one website but used by multiple websites afterwards as the user navigates to them. These cookies are used to track activity and record behavior, including personal details. E-commerce stores use these to track previous purchases and potential product interests, although only with the user’s consent.

Other websites can read and change these cookies as desired. These cookies are stored in the user’s browser, allowing the user to access or block them.

Conclusion

Both first- and third-party cookies are useful, but third-party cookies are being phased out as they come under increased scrutiny by regulators. Requirements such as cookie notices are mandatory for compliance. Platforms such as Shopify will provide functionalities to utilize Shopify cookies if users require additional assistance.