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text file. Cookies are generally stored for later use. Some examples of cookies are as follows:

• When you want to log in to your email account, you will find that the required website opens
with your email Id displayed on the screen. Hence, it saves your time to re-enter the email Id.
• When you revisit an online shopping site, you will notice that it automatically picks the data
of your last session. Thus, it helps you to recall the products you viewed in your last session.

A cookie basically customises the web page for a user as per their personal interests. Therefore,
cookies are harmless files. However, if a computer system is used by multiple people, then a
person can scan the cookies folder of other users, and may try to look for passwords of sensitive
documents or can also hijack the accounts. It is advisable to delete the cookies at frequent
intervals in order to avoid any privacy threat.

DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
As you know footprint is the impression left by a foot or shoe on the ground or a surface, similarly

a digital footprint is the impression or information about a person that exists on the Internet
because of his online activity. This is the information transmitted online like filling a registration
form, e-mail attachments, online shopping, commenting on a social networking site, uploading
videos, and digital images etc., all of which leave a trail of personal information available to
others. This information gets logged in a database. A digital footprint is also known as digital
dossier.

Digital footprints can be categorized into Active and Passive data traces . The active ones are those
data traces , which the user leaves intentionally. The e-mail, chats, Facebook, and blog posts are
some of the ways with which a user can create active digital footprints.
Passive data traces, connected to an individual, are generated by others or gathered through the
user's online activities without his knowledge. Few activities which create passive data traces

include surfing the sites for searching information, online shopping, etc.

Implications of Digital Footprint
As discussed above, all the online activities leave behind the footprints or information traces.
These information traces could be used positively or negatively. So, before indulging in any
activity, one should think over its outcomes. Follow the guidelines given below while being

online:
1. Never post any silly or abusive comment.
2. Tune the privacy settings of your social media account in a way that only your family or

friends can see your posts and pictures.
3. Do not log on to an inappropriate website.
4. Do not upload any inapt picture.

5. Avoid accepting the friend requests from strangers.
Be vigilant and extra cautious while being online as your carelessness or ignorance may generate
a negative digital footprint, which can spoil your reputation. It can even affect your chances of

gaining admission in a prestigious college or getting a job.

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