What is the guideline on the use of tracking "cookies" as per privacy regulations?

The guideline on the use of tracking "cookies" as per privacy regulations indicates that the use of such technologies is often prohibited unless there is a demonstrated necessity. Privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and similar regulations in other jurisdictions, emphasize the importance of user consent and the safeguarding of personal data. This means that organizations must ensure that users are informed about the types of cookies being used and must obtain consent before using any that track personal information.

The regulation typically recognizes that cookies can have different purposes, such as essential cookies that are necessary for the functioning of a website, versus tracking cookies that gather data for marketing or other secondary purposes. The latter generally require explicit user consent. Therefore, the guideline reflects a cautious approach to user privacy, stressing the need for necessity and transparency in the use of tracking mechanisms.