Fact Check: Cookie duration: 1825 (days)

Fact Check: "Cookie duration: 1825 (days)"

What We Know

The claim that cookie duration can be set to 1825 days (which is equivalent to 5 years) is misleading. Cookies are small files stored on a user's computer that track information about their interactions with websites. The duration of cookies can vary depending on the website's settings and the purpose of the cookie.

According to Google's support page, cookies are used to enhance user experience by remembering login states and preferences. However, the default duration for cookies, especially in affiliate marketing contexts, is typically much shorter. For instance, the default cookie duration is often set to 30 days, as noted in the Affiliates Manager documentation. While some cookies can be configured for longer durations, the idea of a standard duration of 1825 days is not common practice.

Analysis

The assertion that cookie duration can be set to 1825 days lacks sufficient support from credible sources. The maximum durations typically discussed in cookie management are generally between 30 to 90 days, with some exceptions allowing for durations up to 32000 seconds (approximately 8.8 hours) for specific use cases, but not extending to years. The Affiliates Manager explicitly states that while you can set a high number for cookie duration, it does not provide an option for a lifetime cookie, which would imply a duration of several years.

Moreover, the concept of setting a cookie for 1825 days raises concerns about user privacy and data management. Most web standards and privacy regulations, such as GDPR, encourage shorter cookie durations to minimize the amount of user data retained over long periods. This is supported by various discussions in the field of web analytics, which emphasize the importance of cookie expiration settings that align with user consent and privacy considerations (source-8).

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that cookie duration can be set to 1825 days is not supported by current practices in cookie management. The standard durations for cookies are typically much shorter, often around 30 days, and while some configurations may allow for longer durations, the assertion of a 5-year cookie duration is not a common or standard practice.