Consumers are allowed limited choices in their browser’s settings or preferences to provide protection against the invisible exchange of cookie information. Consumers can also delete existing cookies.  Newer browser versions offer considerably better options than earlier versions, some allowing users to set cookie preferences on a site-by-site basis. 

Caution

Before deleting or blocking cookies, you should be aware of the following:

• Some websites insist that users accept cookies and may not work properly if cookies are disabled. 
• Asking your computer to warn you whenever a cookie is about to be sent to your hard drive may make your on-line experience more cumbersome. 
• If you erase your cookies, you may need to re-enter your original user ID and password to gain access to certain sites. If you decide to erase cookies associated with such sites, be sure you have your ID and password available. 

It is up to you, the consumer, to decide for yourself whether the benefits of enabling cookies outweighs your privacy concerns. It may be helpful to consider using programs that are available to assist consumers in managing their cookies.